What is a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and what are its key steps?

• A. A structured process to identify hazards for a task; steps include selecting the task, breaking it down, identifying hazards, assessing risk, implementing controls, and verifying effectiveness.
• B. A random checklist created after the task.
• C. A method to audit equipment maintenance only.
• D. A training module for new hires with no hazard analysis.

Answer: (A)

A Job Safety Analysis is a structured, proactive approach to uncover hazards associated with a specific task and to put controls in place so workers can perform it safely. It starts by choosing the task to analyze, then breaking the task down into its individual steps. For each step, potential hazards are identified and the associated risks are assessed to determine how serious the consequences could be and how likely they are. Based on that assessment, appropriate controls are selected and implemented, progressing from elimination or engineering controls to administrative measures and personal protective equipment as needed. Finally, the effectiveness of those controls is verified through monitoring, follow-up, and adjustments if necessary.

This process is about preventing injuries before they happen, not just checking a task after it’s done or focusing on a single aspect like equipment maintenance. It’s also more than a training module because it involves analyzing real tasks with input from workers who perform them, ensuring the controls are practical and actually reduce risk.