Occupational Health & Safety
Practitioner
Reading
JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
January 2009
®
Contents
OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................................1
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................2
SECTION 2: PREPARING A JSA ..................................................................................6
SECTION 3: IDENTIFY HAZARDS..............................................................................11
SECTION 4: CONTROL RISKS ...................................................................................12
APPENDIX 1: WORK PLAN.........................................................................................12
APPENDIX 2: JSA FORM ............................................................................................12
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Department of Commerce
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Email: institute@worksafe.wa.gov.au
®
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SafetyLine Institute website.
READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
OVERVIEW
This reading fully details how to undertake a Job Safety Analysis.
Objectives
After reading this information you should be able to do a Job
Safety Analysis
Author
Ron Greenwood
This reading was originally prepared when Ron was Principal OSH Analyst & Systems
Advisor at Stratex Worley Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Section 1: INTRODUCTION
Glossary of terms
When they are first used, glossary terms are indicated with an
asterisk (*). Make sure that you are familiar with the Glossary of
terms before going any further.
Permit to Work
Formal written authority for persons,
usually trades-persons, to carry out work
including maintenance on plant, a building
or an item of equipment.
1.1 What is a job safety analysis?
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a process of planning for work with
safety an integral factor of the way the job is done. It is a method
of ensuring that sufficiently skilled manpower, plant/equipment and
materials/resources are allocated for a task and all persons
ultimately involved are aware of and follow a safe system of work.
Photograph courtesy of West Australian Petroleum Pty. Ltd.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
1.2 Benefits of JSA
Carrying out a Job Safety Analysis must be an important part of an
organisation's safety management plan for risk management and
consultative work practice processes. In keeping with occupational
safety and health (OSH) legislative objectives, it facilitates the
hazard identification, assessment and control strategy needed to
achieve a safe system of work. In this way, it not only contributes
to good safety management, but also to an increase in efficiency
and productivity.
In reality, making a workplace safer requires the commitment and
co-operation of each employee. The Job Safety Analysis process
is perhaps one of the most effective ways of enabling an individual
employee to participate and work as part of a team. In fact,
employees are able to make important contributions and through
continuous work practice improvement, establish Best Practice
initiatives.
Other benefits of conducting a JSA include improved
communication about safety as a continuous training medium and
the confirmation of skill competency.
1.3 Work requiring a JSA
Any work activity whether scheduled or unscheduled should have
a Job Safety Analysis carried out, inclusive of:
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
Tasks that have a history of, or potential for, injury, near miss
or loss related incidents.

Safety critical tasks (eg. fire, explosion, chemical spill and
creation of toxic or oxygen deficient atmosphere).

Tasks carried out in new environments.

Jobs that have changed.

Tasks that have been rarely performed or where new people
are performing the task.

Tasks where workplace application or environmental conditions
have or may change.

Tasks performed under Permit to Work* conditions.

Tasks that may impact on the integrity or output of a
processing system.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
1.4 Importance of a work plan
A Work Plan is always necessary, to have the scope of the work
clarified and broken down into stages so that a JSA can be
identified for each separate task.
KEY POINT
A work Plan is necessary to
identify separate tasks that
require a separate JSA.
An example Work Plan is given on the following page. In addition,
a blank Work Plan is included at the end of the reading as an
Appendix.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
WORK PLAN
Job No: 123
Supervisor: J. BLOGGS
Department: Vehicle Maintenance.
Permit Holder: N/A
Job Function: Motor Mechanic
Location of Work: Perth Maintenance Workshop
Equipment No: Reg, XYZ-123
Tag No: N/A
Description of Job: 10.000 Kilometre service and tune-up of Hi Lux delivery vehicle
Proposed Start Date: 15/04/98
Time: 9
AM
Task Duration: 2 hours
Tasks:
1. Change Spark Plugs and set Engine Timing
2. Change Oil and Oil Filter
3. Check Brakes and Brake Linings
4. Check Tyres and Wheel Balance
Manpower Requirements:
1. Maintenance Supervisor
2. Mechanic Apprentice
Plant & Equipment:
1. Mechanical tools and equipment:
a. Socket Set
b. Multi-Meter
c.
Tool Kit ( Standard)
Chemicals/Bulk Materials:
Nil
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Section 2: PREPARING A JSA
Development of a JSA involves:

Resource forecasting and planning carried out simultaneously
by a manager or supervisor.

Development of the JSA with the full participation of the
employee(s) assigned to complete the task of work.

Review and monitoring of its implementation, carried out with
the full participation of the employee(s) assigned to complete
the task of work.
2.1 Resource forecasting and
planning by management
Management forecasting
This involves forecasting by management of manpower/skill
requirements, plant and equipment, and material resources
required. This would be completed as a desktop exercise during
scheduling and the initial development of the work planned.
Supervisor planning
This involves planning by the assigned supervisor, to confirm the
objective of the task, timeframes, work procedure and deployment
of manpower/skill; against the application of plant and equipment
and material resources. This would be completed as a desktop
exercise involving the selection of and assignment of personnel,
and the review of historical information to identify hazard potential
and control strategies.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Issues to consider
Consider the following:

Who will be responsible for supervising the work?

What exactly, is the scope of work to be done?

How might the task impact on other workplace activity?

How might the task be impacted on by other workplace
activity?

Where will the job be done?

When will the job be done and how long will it take?

In what sequence will stages of work be scheduled for
completion?

What are the manpower/skill requirements?

What are the plant and equipment requirements?

What chemicals or bulk materials will be required and/or
require handling?
2.2 Development of JSA
Supervisor Develops JSA in Consultation with
Employee(s)
Steps to follow are:
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
Review the scope of the job and work plan with the assigned
employee(s).

Identify each task of the job and review with the assigned

employee(s).

Identify the procedures involved in
each task to be completed.
KEY POINT
JSA involves reviewing the
procedures in logical steps,
identifying the hazards, and
assessing and controlling
the risks.

Review the procedures in logical
steps.

Identify and assess the hazards in
each step.

Develop solutions to eliminate or control hazards in each step.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
2.3 Monitoring and review of JSA
Supervisor Reviews Completed JSA in
Consultation with Employee(s)
The completed JSA is reviewed by the supervisor, in consultation
with assigned employee (s) prior to the commencement of the
planned work activity. The employee(s) assigned for the task are
trained in the new safe system of work. This confirms an
understanding of the scope of the work, levels of employee
experience and capability, and planned arrangements for the
control of hazards. It also allows further employee identification
and analysis of hazard potential and the opportunity to initiate
additional control measures.
Implemented Safe System is Monitored
There is direct observation of the safe system by management,
carried out continuously to monitor the adequacy and application
of the agreed safe system of work. The JSA is reviewed and
updated at the completion of the job for future reference.
An example JSA is given on the following page. In addition, a
blank JSA form is included at the end of the reading as an
appendix.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
JOB No: 123
JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
DATE: 15/04/1998
JOB DESCRIPTION:
10.000 Kilometre service and tune-up of Hi Lux delivery vehicle
START DATE: 15/04/1998
TIME: 09:00 am
TASK DURATION: 2 hours
5. TASK DESCRIPTION: Change out Spark Plugs and set Engine Timing
#
STEP
IDENTIFIED
HAZARD/LOSS
CONTROL METHOD
1
Preparation
of workspace
The car could be
started whilst
being worked on.
Car could roll.
Dropping tools or
parts. Tripping or
slipping
Remove ignition source (Keys, coil H.T>lead). Make
sure handbrake is on and car is in gear. In PARK if
automatic. Chock wheels, especially if on slope.
Protect mudguards with cover. Check for oil spills or
obstacles in path.
2
Lift bonnet
Bonnet slipping,
Wear gloves. Ensure bonnet stay is accurately
falling. If spring
placed. Hold hand on top of bonnet to control if it is
loaded slipping
spring loaded. Wear bump cap.
from fingers.
Hitting head.
Cutting on edge of
bonnet.
3
Note the
plug lead
location
relative to
the cylinder
and remove.
Replacing wrong
lead can cause
backfire in
carburettor
creating fire
hazards or
damage to
exhaust system or
engine.
4
Remove all Burns from hot
spark plugs. engine. Oil and
grease
contamination.
Sharp edges of
cylinder head or
rocker cover.
5
Identify type Incorrect spark
Check spark plug chart for correct spark plug for
of spark
plug can cause
make and model. (Do not rely on existing plugs for
poor performance, information - they may be incorrect).
plug.
backfire and
subsequent
damage.
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Place tape with cylinder number on leads
Allow engine to cool. Wear gloves. Cover edges of
cylinder head or rocker cover with rags or cloth,
leather or vinyl cover.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
6
Decide
whether to
adjust or
replace
spark plugs.
7
Clean plugs Plug cleaner
if necessary. unsafe eg. Power
outlet OK? Air
coupling OK?
Correct power
installed? High
voltage, check power lead
insulated OK?
Removable rubber
cap for spark plug
fitted OK?
Check power point and lead for correct insulation.
Check compressed air piping for leaks and at
coupling. Check H.T. leads. Check rubber ring tight,
no splits. Wear safety goggles and gloves.
8
Replace
See step 4. Strip
spark plugs. thread in alloy
cylinder head.
Make sure both spark plug and cylinder threads are
clean. Start spark plugs by hand not socket.
9
Connect
ignition
leads to
appropriate
spark plug.
Wear gloves. See step 3.
Hand slipping.
Grease, oil
contamination.
Wrong H.T. lead
on spark plug.
10 Check for
Leads may be
performance incorrectly fitted.
Tools left in
engine bay.
Vehicle in gear.
Fire if engine
backfires. (N.B.
some new spark
plugs fail)
Do not remove taped numbers until after
performance check. Use shadow board for tools or
paint eg. yellow. Ensure car is in neutral or PARK if
automatic. Have correct fire extinguisher handy
throughout operation.
11 Clean tools
and
equipment.
Read Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) carefully.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment, eg
face mask, respirator mask, gloves, long sleeve
shirt, apron, etc. Have correct fire extinguisher close
by. Clean tools in a well-ventilated area.
WORK
TEAM:
Solvents and
cleaners may be
toxic and/or be
highly flammable.
NAME
SIGNATURE
NAME
SIGNATURE
Acknowledgment: 'Right Start' Division of Workplace Health and Safety, Brisbane.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Section 3: IDENTIFY HAZARDS
The complete identification of hazards in each task procedure of
the JSA is crucial. Consider the following classifications in the
identification of hazard potential:
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
Human factors, eg. competency, training, fitness and fatigue.

Simultaneous operations.

Damage to plant & equipment and interruption to production.

Weather, visibility, lighting & noise.

Exposure to hazardous atmospheres, physical & biological
agents.

Pollution to the environment.

Workplace layout, ground conditions
(stability/surface/slope), access &
egress.
KEY POINT
A wide-ranging
consideration of all possible
hazards is necessary.

Workplace signage & barricading.

Workplace amenities and first aid
requirements.

Fire prevention & protection.

Personal protective equipment.

Housekeeping arrangements.

Materials handling & manual handling requirements.

Materials storage, security and recovery requirements.

Use of hazardous substances.

Electrical hazard exposure, isolations, tagging and/or lockout
requirements.

Compressed gas, high-pressure air and oils, water & steam.

Suitability of standard & power operated hand tools.

Fixed & portable plant & machinery management.

Grinding, cutting, heating & welding operations.

Mobile plant operation and movement.

Excavations, holes & floor openings.

Concrete & masonry construction.

Ladders & scaffolding requirements, work at height &
prevention of falls.

Confined space entry.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Section 4: CONTROL RISKS
The purpose of the JSA process is to identify opportunities for
effective risk control in support of ensuring that a safe system of
work is in place.
In selecting the most appropriate control method, the higher
priorities of eliminating the hazard or
isolating the process from the worker
KEY POINT
must be considered for implementation
before any lower priority of isolating the Any introduced control
measures must be
worker (eg. issuing personal protective monitored to confirm their
effectiveness.
equipment) is considered.
Once a risk has been assessed, measures must be taken to
reduce the risk to a level that is 'as low as reasonably practicable'
(ALARP).
OS&H Legislation may provide specific measures to control risks
and these must be followed.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Information or ideas on control measures can come from:

Codes of practice

Guidance notes

Employees

Industry
associations

Unions

Government
agencies

Specialist
practitioners/consult
ants

Manufacturers/supp
liers

Australian
Standards
Control measures must
be monitored to confirm
implementation has been effective.
4.1 Hierarchy of control measures
Elimination
Removing the hazard or hazardous work practice from the
workplace. This is the most effective control measure.
Substitution
Substituting or replacing the hazard or hazardous work practice
with a less hazardous one.
Isolation
Isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work practice from
persons at the workplace or the general work area.
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Engineering control
If the hazard cannot be eliminated,
substituted or isolated,
engineering control is the next preferred
measure to control the risk. It may
include modifications to tools or
equipment, using enclosures, guarding,
mechanical ventilation or automating
processes.
KEY POINT
As control measures are
not mutually exclusive, on
occasions more than one
control measure will need to
be used to reduce
exposure.
Administrative control
Introducing policies, and changes in work practice and procedures
that reduce the risk. This could include limiting the time employees
are exposed to the hazard, reducing the number of employees
exposed, rotating jobs, lockout or tag-out procedures, or
prohibiting eating and drinking in contaminated areas.
Personal protective equipment
The risk control application of providing personal protective
equipment should be considered only:

When other control measures are not practicable.

When used in conjunction with other methods to provide a
greater measure of protection.

Where specified by legislation as a basic requirement.
Where personal protective equipment has been provided, its use
must be monitored to ensure it is adequate and being worn.
APPENDICES
Blank copies of the Work Plan and JSA have been included as
appendices for you to print off and use in your workplace:
PAGE 14

Work Plan - to clarify the scope of the task to be analysed
(Appendix 1).

JSA Record Form (Appendix 2).
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
Appendix 1
WORK PLAN
Supervisor:
Permit Holder:
Location of Work:
Job No:
Department:
Job Function:
Equipment No:
Tag No:
Description of Job:
Proposed Start Date:
Time: Task Duration:
Tasks:
Manpower Requirements:
Plant & Equipment:
Chemicals/Bulk Materials:
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READING – JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS
APPENDIX 2 – JSA RECORD FORM
JOB NO:
JOB SAFETY
ANALYSIS
DATE: ..../..../....
JOB DESCRIPTION:
START DATE: ..../..../.... TIME: ..........am/pm
TASK DURATION: ............
TASK DESCRIPTION:
#
STEP
IDENTIFIED
HAZARD/LOSS
CONTROL METHOD
1
2
3
4
5
Suggest 10 steps
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