A proactive approach in preventing injuries and accidents in the workplace by observing workplace operations, establishing proper work procedures, and ensuring each employee is properly trained is required to maintain a safe workplace free of hazards. We here at Comp-SIGMA want to reinforce the importance of using a Job Hazard Analysis; a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. If you can identify hazards and successfully eliminate or control them, you will greatly reduce exposure which leads to injuries and illnesses.
We recommend that you involve your employees as they have an understanding of the job process, and this information is extremely valuable. Reviewing your accident history and near misses are other important steps in order to figure out which jobs need immediate attention.
Observe the employee perform the entire job, and record enough information to describe each job action is necessary. You have now successfully completed a step by step analysis of a job that has the potential to lead to employee injury or illness.
Breaking down each step and implementing a change in job task is your next responsibility. Eliminate steps where an employee is exposed to a hazard, if an injury is likely to occur, and if there are potential consequences to the employees health and safety if the task is not changed. Implement and train the employees on any revised changes to their job tasks. Don’t forget to review past Job Hazard Analysis, and conduct future analysis if any part of the job has changed.
Being proactive and actively involving your employees in your Job Hazard Analysis will help create a safer workplace, as well as encourage a greater safety culture within your workforce.
