Importance and Value of JHA's
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is the breaking down of a job into its component steps and then evaluating each step, looking for hazards. Each hazard is then corrected or a method of worker protection (safe practice or PPE) is identified. Additional requirements for worker training, certification, authorization, etc., may also be identified for the process or job. The final product is a written document….a standard of safe operation for a particular job. A Job Hazard Analysis is one component of a safe job site or environment.
The many benefits of Job Hazard Analysis include:
- Set performance standards
- Standardize operations based on acceptable safe practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Provides a form of training documentation regarding the employee’s knowledge of the job requirements
- Comply with OSHA requirements
- Reduces injuries
- Reduces absenteeism
- Increases productivity
- Increases morale
- Protects employees
- Assists in standard-specific compliance (e.g., personal protective equipment [PPE], Hazard Communication, etc…..)
Managers, Supervisors, and Principal Investigators are responsible for the development of JHA’s within their work areas. They can use the findings of a job hazard analysis to eliminate and prevent hazards in their workplaces. This is likely to result in fewer worker injuries and illnesses; safer, more effective work methods; reduced workers’ compensation costs; and increased worker productivity. The analysis also can be a valuable tool for training new employees in the steps required to perform their jobs safely. For a job hazard analysis to be effective, management must demonstrate its commitment to safety and health and follow through to correct any uncontrolled hazards identified.
A job hazard analysis will be conducted daily prior to starting work, and signed by all workers involved in the work. Priority should go to the following types of jobs:
- Jobs with the highest injury or illness rates;
- Jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness, even if there is no history of previous accidents;
- Jobs in which one simple human error could lead to a severe accident or injury;
- Jobs that are new to your operation or have undergone changes in processes and procedures; and
- Jobs complex enough to require written instructions.
Periodically reviewing your job hazard analysis ensures that it remains current and continues to help reduce workplace accidents and injuries. Even if the job has not changed, it is possible that during the review process you will identify hazards that were not identified in the initial analysis. It is particularly important to review your job hazard analysis if an illness or injury occurs on a specific job. Based on the circumstances, you may determine that you need to change the job procedure to prevent similar incidents in the future. If an employee’s failure to follow proper job procedures results in a “close call,” discuss the situation with all employees who perform the job and remind them of proper procedures. Any time you revise a job hazard analysis, it is important to train all employees affected by the changes in the new job methods, procedures, or protective measures adopted. Additionally, modifications to an existing JHA / JSA must be reviewed and resigned by all those involved. Updated JHA / JSA shall be communicated and shared.
What is the difference between a JHA vs JSA document?
JSA stands for "Job Safety Analysis" while JHA stands for "Job Hazard Analysis." Most safety professionals use the terms JSA and JHA interchangeably to describe a technique for improving worker safety when completing hazardous tasks, so is there really a difference between the two? Both a JSA and JHA are a process to identify hazards within jobs and tasks and implement safety controls to reduce the risk of the potential hazards. A risk assessment will review the severity and probability of potential hazards. Most safety professionals utilize risk matrix calculations to assess and prioritize these hazards risks. Ultimately, the processes, end goals, and results of a JSA and JHA are the same, so it makes sense that these terms are frequently used interchangeably.
Several components of the OSHA regulations require a hazard assessment to decide what personal protective equipment may be needed to control the hazards on a job. Additionally, a certification that a hazard assessment has been performed must be kept on record.
H
owever, OSHA does not specifically state that a JSA/JHA is required as part of this hazard assessment. Instead, it's important to know that performing and documenting a JHA or JSA will assist you in complying with the hazard assessment requirements.
In addition, OSHA does strongly recommend and encourages the use of JSAs and JHAs as evidenced by the training materials developed by OSHA.
Inspection employees or any employee may contact the Applied Consultants Safety Department at (903) 643-0956 /
January Near Misses
A new contractor, that had previously performed work for this client in a different location, is now being utilized in our area. The documentation was different, even though it was with the same gas company. I inquired about a Bell Hole Report for the excavations they were performing on the ROW and the contractor said they utilize the gas company forms from the Northern location. We were used to the contractor providing and completing, the Bell Hole Reports in our region. We met with the contractor Superintendent and it was decided to use the Gas Company documents for the Bell Hole Reports and the contractor had no issue completing them daily, prior to work being performed in the Bell Holes.
Upon arrival on-site, I noticed that two individuals were using the stairs while carrying loads that prevented them from having at least 3 points of contact on the stairway. We talked to the individuals and read over the JSA. The JSA did specifically identify the staircase, maintaining 3 points of contact and using a qualified operator and forklift to lift heavy loads to the platform. The two individuals’ names were on the JSA. When asked why the JSA wasn’t followed, they stated the forklift was inoperable at the time with preventive maintenance, and they wanted to get it done before the cold weather moved in and before they lost the parts. When asked, they both stated losing the parts was a bigger concern than the cold weather.
Electricians were working in an energized panel without a proper permit. A Stop Work was issued, and a proper permit was secured. We explained the importance of the permit process to them.
Two third-party pipefitters were tasked to remove a 150 lb control actuator valve from the piping system to install blinds for an upcoming hydro-test. The PF's removed all but one bolt on each valve flange side and the actuator was manually rotated 180*, allowing it to rest on the ground. Next, the last two bolts were removed from each flange side to lower the valve body to ground level. Once free from the flange, one of the PFs was unable to securely hold onto the valve body that weighed 170 lbs. (manual lift & 50lbs per person). Unable to control the weight, the PF#1 lost control of one side of the valve, while the other PF #2 assisting could not hold the weight of the entire valve body. This resulted in the valve body dropping straight down from a distance of 40’ and coming to rest less than 1’ between both. The drop resulted in damage to the actuator control housing, guard, and gauge. A safety standdown was conducted.
In the last few days of the project, beginning of the Hydro tests, it was mentioned in the JSA meeting that any hose fitting must be connected with a whip check. Before the pressure was applied, we walked through the job site, and all the whips were in place. The hydro test was completed with no problems. With the daylight hours gone, we had to get the pipe dewatered and ready to run a caliper tool the next morning. They backed in a transport truck to dewater into and began pushing the water into the truck. The driver was asked if the hatch was open on his truck and he said yes but was very green to his job. It turned out they weren’t open, and it eventually built up enough pressure that the 2” hose connecting to the back of the truck gave way. Even after the JSA and checking prior to work, the whip check was left off this connection. Needless to say, the hose whipped and beat everything within reach, but thankfully no one was hurt.
A crew truck was pulling a trailer in the mud and began to slide on a slight grade. The crew’s personnel vehicles were backed in at the bottom of the grade. We had crew members move their vehicles outside of the general area so the travel lane could be widened to account for the mud.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered up with Boot Barn to offer all Applied Consultants inspectors a 15% discount on all purchases “work related” from the Boot Barn, Nation Wide. Be sure to tell them you work for Applied Consultants and use the key word: “Safety First” to receive the discount.
API1169 Test Dates:
December 4 - 18, 2020
Registration Deadline: October 2nd, 2020
January Winners
David Spatholt - Platinum
Kristy Kirkpatrick - Gold
Chad Bourgeois - Silver
Curtis Parr - Bronze
Glenn Franklin - Bronze
Colby Glass - Bronze
If you have been selected as newsletter Q&A winner, please click this link and select your prize(s) from your winning category.
