Break a job into steps, identify the hazards of each step and set the controls before work starts.
A JSA, also called a job hazard analysis, makes hazards visible step by step. It is most useful for new, infrequent or high-risk tasks.
Use the hierarchy of controls: remove the hazard first, then engineering controls, then procedures, and PPE last.
12 items. Complete it digitally or on paper, whichever your team prefers.
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Step | Remove old light fixture from ceiling |
| Hazards | Electric shock, fall from ladder, falling fixture |
| Controls | Lock out circuit and test, ladder inspected and footed, second person supports fixture |
| PPE | Gloves, eye protection |
Before replacing rooftop units, a crew writes a JSA covering lifting with a crane, working near the roof edge and disconnecting power. The edge hazard leads to a guardrail being installed before work begins.
OSHA promotes job hazard analysis as a core prevention tool, and its general duty clause expects employers to address recognized hazards like gas leaks, scalding and carbon monoxide. A signed JSA shows the crew identified those hazards for this specific task before starting.
| Task and location | Replace gas water heater, garage, 412 Pine St, Omaha |
|---|---|
| Step 1, shut off | Hazard: gas leak; control: close valve, lockout, leak check |
| Step 2, drain | Hazard: scalding water; control: let cool 2 h, gloves |
| Step 3, remove old unit | Hazard: back strain; control: appliance dolly, two-person lift |
| Step 4, install and vent | Hazard: carbon monoxide; control: draft test, CO meter |
| Crew reviewed | Jesse and Paul, 8:05 am |
| Review date | Before next gas appliance job |
Gloves appear only on the draining step, because every other hazard is handled with a higher control such as lockout, a dolly or a CO meter.
They are commonly used for the same process.
The supervisor with the crew.
For hazardous, new or infrequent tasks.
Before each use and after any incident.
It ranks fixes from most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute a safer method, add engineering controls, use procedures, then PPE. A JSA should look for a higher control on each step before settling for gloves or glasses. For example, draining a water heater after it cools beats relying on burn gloves alone.
Yes when the site, equipment or method changes in a way that adds hazards, such as a heater in a crawlspace instead of a garage. Update the affected steps and have the crew review and sign again. A JSA copied unchanged from a different site can miss the hazard that matters most.
More for the same job
EZTime’s digital employee file keeps documents such as certificates and sends reminders before they expire. Book a demo to see it with your team.