What is Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

Last Updated: May 2026.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a systematic procedure that breaks each job/task into its main work steps, identifies the safety aspects of each step, and trains employees to avoid potential safety hazards.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a technique that focuses on job tasks in order to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after uncontrolled hazards are identified, steps are taken to eliminate these hazards or reduce them to an acceptable level of risk.

Another commonly used term for this process is Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). JSA and JHA are generally considered to mean the same thing.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way of identifying hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the employee, the task, the tools, and the working environment.

It is the analysis of hazards and risk potential when undertaking a job or task.

The terms “job” and “task” are often used interchangeably to refer to a specific work assignment or activity.

The task should be narrow in scope. For example, vehicle maintenance is too broad and is not suitable for a JSA. However, draining a vehicle fuel tank is narrow enough and appropriate in scope.

The framework or process for developing a JSA includes the following:

•Identify the job or task to be analysed

•Break the job down into a sequence of regular steps

•Identify potential hazards at each step

•Determine recommended controls for each hazard by applying the hierarchy of risk controls

•Both short-term and long-term controls should be considered when determining control measures

Asuman ERKUL CMIOSH

MSh, MSc Electrical and Electronics Engineer