Safety Inspections and Job Hazard Analysis

“I was just doing my job and the next thing I knew I was lying on the ground,
unable to move my foot, wondering what just happened.”

Statements like these are more common than they should be.  Far too often, accidents “just happen” out of the blue, resulting in thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in claim costs.  Could this be avoided? What if you could reverse time and “undo” that accident.  Would you?  Of course you would!

Obviously, you can’t reverse time!  But, if you had that extraordinary ability, what would you do differently?  My guess is that you would eliminate or reduce the hazard so that the accident would not happen!  Statistics tell us that roughly 98% of all accidents are preventable because they result from unsafe acts or unsafe conditions.  Doesn’t it make sense, then, to identify and eliminate those unsafe acts and unsafe conditions before an accident happens?

Job Hazard Analysis

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) does exactly that:  it helps identify and eliminate or reduce hazards that could lead to an accident.  JHAs are a great tool to define the relationship between a task, a worker and his/her tools and the conditions.  Once hazards are identified, controls can be put in place to reduce or eliminate unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.

The exact value of a Job Hazard Analysis is very difficult to determine because it is virtually impossible to put a cost on accidents that don’t happen!  However, JHAs will result in fewer injuries; safer and more effective work methods; lower claim costs and lower premiums.

Job Hazard Analyses are not difficult!  To conduct one, follow these 4 steps:

1. Select the job to be analyzed.

Ask:
What jobs (tasks) tend to have repeat injuries?
What jobs (tasks) could result in great severity if human error occurs?
What jobs (tasks) are new, or have changed procedures?
What jobs (tasks) are complex?

2. Break the job down into a sequence of steps.

Ask:
Step-by-step, what has to be done to accomplish this job (task)?

3. Identify potential hazards.

Ask:
What can go wrong?
What are the consequences?
How could it arise?
What are other contributing factors?
What potential unsafe acts or unsafe conditions come into play?

4. Determine appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce the hazard.

Ask:
What engineering controls (procedures, PPE use, system changes)
would be appropriate?
What administrative controls (how to’s, do’s and don’t) would be
appropriate?

Engineering controls change a machine or work environment to prevent or reduce exposure to hazards.  (Example:  Use of a scaffold, rather than a ladder, to perform tasks that require workers to reach greater distances.)  Engineering controls are the most reliable controls.  If engineering controls are not feasible, administrative controls may be appropriate.  (Example:  Requiring a ladder to be moved if the worker has to reach greater than 3’ to the side.)

For more detailed information on Job Hazard Analysis, click here.

Safety Inspections

Safety Inspections should be scheduled and conducted regularly.  Part of a supervisor/foreman’s responsibility needs to be routine inspection of processes, use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), working order of machinery/vehicles and any other condition or activity related to the job he/she is supervising.  A good supervisor/foreman will always be aware of unsafe acts and unsafe conditions, and will correct them immediately.  Develop checklists that are appropriate to your specific jobsites and require that those checklists be completed as scheduled.

CBR provides many resources, including a Job Hazard Analysis Procedure, designed to keep workers safe and costs down.  (Contact CBR if you do not already have one.)  Another resource is our monthly Safety Webinars!  Be sure to attend the next one to learn more about “Safety Responsibilities of Supervisors and Managers.” Save this link for current information on CBR Safety Webinars.  Hope to see you at a webinar soon!

The CBR Risk Team is continually at work to help keep your workers safe and your company profitable. Take advantage of our free monthly Safety Webinars (for owners, managers and safety coordinators) and the low cost opportunity for OSHA 30 training (for supervisory personnel)! Please contact Kym Varner at CBR for additional information about these services.

Contact us or request a proposal for more information!