Join ConQuest 2025 | ComplianceQuest User Conference | April 8–10, Clearwater Beach, FL

Discover your potential savings with our ROI Calculator

Calculate ROI now

Job Safety Analysis

job safety analysis

Identify potential hazards in every step of the job safety analysis (JSA) process and recommend the safest way to execute a job.

Request an Online Demo

job safety analysis

Job Safety Analysis Video

What is Job Safety Analysis?

Job safety analysis (JSA), also called job hazard analysis, is a systematic process used to break down a job or task into individual steps, identify potential hazards at each stage, and implement effective safety controls. Conducting a thorough job safety analysis helps prevent workplace accidents, improve jsa safety, and maintain a safer working environment for employees.

A JSA must be performed at the job site before starting a task or when modifications are made to existing processes. It may also include a risk assessment to evaluate the likelihood of hazards, the severity of potential incidents, and the effectiveness of control measures implemented.

job safety analysis benefits

Key Benefits of Implementing Job Safety Analysis

Job Safety Analysis is a documented work procedure that enhances workplace safety. While the written analysis serves as proof of compliance with OSHA, maintaining electronic records provides additional benefits, contributing to a safer work environment. In essence, job safety analysis benefits the organization by:

Identifies previously undetected hazards through detailed job hazard analysis
Improves job knowledge and understanding of tasks among employees
Enhances JSA safety awareness and promotes health consciousness
Improves communication between supervisors and workers
Encourages acceptance of revised safe work procedures
Supports comprehensive incident investigations.
Serves as a standard for safety inspections and observations
Provides effective training material for new or sporadic jobs

Request an Online Demo

There are two main methods to conduct a Job Safety Analysis. Each method has its benefits:

Observational Job Safety Analysis

Recognizes hazards without relying on memory, enhancing jsa safety accuracy

Discussion-Based Job Safety Analysis

Encourages experienced workers and supervisors to discuss tasks, improving adoption of safer procedures

Job Safety Analysis Steps

Steps to Conduct a Job Safety Analysis

Job Safety Analysis can be performed in four stages, making it easier to complete each part thoroughly and document findings effectively. The four basic stages in conducting a job safety analysis (JSA) or job hazard analysis are:

While every job should undergo analysis, the process can be time-consuming. It becomes essential when there are changes in equipment, processes, environments, or raw materials. Therefore, selecting jobs for analysis should be prioritized based on the following factors:

The frequency and severity of accidents can help determine the starting point of the analysis
Potential for illness or injury that involves hazardous conditions or materials
New jobs that present a higher risk to workers
Modifications in job procedures
Non-routine jobs

Break the job into a series of sequential steps to thoroughly analyze the risks or hazards associated with each task. It is crucial to maintain the correct order, as any mistakes could create new hazards or overlook serious ones. During this stage, the observer carefully watches the worker performing the job to ensure accurate identification of risks and maintain jsa safety.

Examine and identify potential hazards through a series of questions. It is important to note that this stage is all about identifying potential hazards and not solving them. To do so, the observer can ask the workers questions to make fair and relevant observations. During this stage, the observer must make a note of all the observations of the job, including knowledge of injury or incident and its causes, and a list of potential risks and hazards based on personal experience.

Determine preventive measures to remedy identified hazards.

Use different techniques to eliminate the hazard. The techniques can be anything from switching to a different process, substituting material with less hazardous options, modifying an existing process, implementing modifications to the work environment, or replacing or modifying existing tools.
Containment is one of the preventive measures recommended if the hazard cannot be eliminated. Organizations can implement enclosures, install worker booths, or build machine guards to contain the severity of both existing and potential hazards.
Work procedure revision by adding additional steps or implementing modifications to hazardous steps can improve the safety of the work environment and protect the workers.
Minimize employee exposure to hazardous environments and materials to improve the severity of an accident, reduce fatalities, and promote safety. This can be achieved by implementing and training employees on preventive measures.

Employee Health and Safety

The Conclusive Guide to Employee Health and Safety for your Manufacturing Company

How to Identify Potential Hazards During Job Safety Analysis?

There are different types of hazards: biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, psychosocial, and safety. The primary objective of hazard identification is to find and record potential hazards that affect the workplace’s safety standards. To identify the hazards at the workplace during Job Safety Analysis, follow any of these methods:

Walk around the workplace to identify and understand processes and activities
Deliberately observe certain work activities to grasp the tasks
Engage actively with the employees to understand their line of thought
Peruse previous accident records to get insight into the existing problems
Gather records related to absenteeism in the workplace due to the work environment

Methods for Hazard Identification in Job Safety Analyses

Focus on workers and processes during after-hours
Research the manufacturer’s guidance to ensure adherence
Review existing operational procedures and work instructions
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidance
Conduct service and maintenance for existing procedures and equipment

Request an Online Demo

Walk around the workplace to identify and understand processes and activities
Deliberately observe certain work activities to grasp the tasks
Engage actively with the employees to understand their line of thought
Peruse previous accident records to get insight into the existing problems
Gather records related to absenteeism in the workplace due to the work environment
Focus on workers and processes during after hours
Research the manufacturer’s guidance to ensure adherence
Review existing operational procedures and work instructions
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidance
Conduct service and maintenance for existing procedures and equipment

workplace safety webinar

Are you looking for a “metrics-driven” approach to increasing employee engagement to enhance workplace safety efforts?

In this Webinar by ComplianceQuest, we highlight some of the best practices to make that happen:

workplace safety webinar

OSHA Information on Job Safety Analysis

Workplace safety relies on identifying and assessing potential hazards associated with specific tasks to prevent accidents. This process is vital for ensuring a safe working environment.

OSHA encourages using job hazard analysis as part of a broader safety management system. While not mandatory for every task, a job safety analysis (JSA) is essential for identifying hazards before work begins, implementing safety measures, providing employee training, and ensuring compliance with workplace safety standards.

By adopting this process, organizations can comply with safety regulations, protect employees, and strengthen overall workplace safety.

Contact Us

OSHA Information on Job Safety Analysis

Outstanding execution and solution coverage

We implemented this software where I work, and have been overall happy with the outcome. After taking a day or two working to learn the software, you’ll never want to go back to your old ways! There’s also a huge library of training videos provided with the subscription, and an easy-to-use ticket portal. Moving to CQ HSE was worth the effort and will pay for itself within the year, but what really matters is that we have a fully functional HSE software that can grow and evolve with the business. The mobile features and real-time data capture provide great accessibility to the HSE program for all levels of staff.

Andre Perrault,
Manager, Health Safety & Environment Altex Energy

CQ EHS to Automate the Job Safety Analysis Process

With CQ EHS Solution, it is possible to automate the job safety analysis (JSA) process and streamline the entire process and make it data-driven and collaborative. The integration ensures enhanced JSA safety by identifying hazards effectively and implementing proactive measures.

With ComplianceQuest’s Safety Solution, safety teams can automate the following:

Identify tasks requiring a job hazard analysis
Creating SOPs and documents to complete the process or tasks by taking necessary precautions and risk control measures.
Issues a Permit to Work (PTW) for tasks such as hot work, cold work, electrical work, and specialized tasks that require personnel to have a specific certification or training.
Identify potential hazards and document them in CQ EHS Solution’s integrated risk management module.
Plan risk control measures, collaborate, and allocate resources to implement these measures.
Conduct Management Reviews to ensure all processes or tasks that need a Job Safety Analysis are being followed.

Automating job safety analysis enhances jsa safety, improves compliance, and strengthens overall workplace safety culture.

A robust Job Safety Analysis process is a “must-have” if you’re looking to build an organization-wide safety culture and improve safety performance.

Request a Personalized Demo

Quality-centric Companies Rely on CQ QMS

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety technicians, production leads, and workers are typically responsible for safety evaluations. With their hands-on experience, front-line production staff are often at the forefront of identifying hazards and ensuring a thorough safety assessment.
To effectively train employees, ensure that they understand the importance of hazard identification and analysis. Here are the key considerations:
- Explain the purpose and benefits of the training.
- Provide clear guidelines on conducting a JSA.
- Conduct training sessions where employees participate.
- Emphasize the importance of communication and collaboration among team members.
- Regularly review and update training materials to stay current with industry regulations.
This crucial evaluation method is needed across various work processes. Practical constraints, such as time, may prioritize which jobs are evaluated first. Conduct an assessment when:
- The potential for injury or illness is high.
- A human error could result in severe injury or an accident.
- There is a need to interact with multiple people or systems.
- The job is complex and difficult to perform without written instructions.
- Any task has safety concerns.
- New jobs or existing jobs have undergone any procedural or process changes.
- New tools or machinery are introduced.

Mascot Astronut

Related Insights

The Future of Contractor Safety: Real-Time Data and Automation

Blog | March 25th, 2025

The Future of Contractor Safety: Real-Time Data and Automation

Contractor safety has always been a critical part of workplace safety management, especially in high-risk sectors like manufacturing, industrial, automotive,…

Blog | December 23rd, 2024

Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIFs) with Technology-Driven Safety Programs

Despite advancements in workplace safety, Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIFs) remain…
Blog | August 7th, 2023

Highly Engaged Workers: The Key to Better Safety Management

Making the workplace safe is not just the responsibility of…
Blog | April 17th, 2023

5 Key Tips: Select Right Tools & Equipment, Ensure Safety on the Job

As a health and safety leader, you have a lot…

View All Resources

Connect with a CQ Expert

Learn about all features of our Product, Quality, Safety, and Supplier suites. Please fill the form below to access our comprehensive demo video.

Mascot

Please confirm your details

By submitting this form you agree that we can store and process your personal data as per our Privacy Statement. We will never sell your personal information to any third party.

Enter Captcha