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The Importance of Effective Job Hazard Analysis

08/03/2023

By Alison Wilder

To minimize workplace injuries and accidents—and potentially eliminate them—start by observing workplace operations, establishing procedures, and ensuring each employee is properly trained.

What is Job Hazard Analysis

Job Hazard Analysis is 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.

How to Perform Job Hazard Analysis

To start, observe the employee performing 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, where an injury is likely to occur, and where there may be potential consequences to the employee’s health and safety if the process is not amended.

Implement and train the employees on any revised changes to their job tasks. Don’t forget to review past Job Hazard Analyses, and conduct future analyses 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.