J.J. Keller and Associates, Incorporated of Neenah, Wisconsin has developed a series of manuals called Workplace Safety in Action. The series consists of "how-to" manuals covering a variety of safety management topics from machine guarding to fire prevention. Over the course of the next several months, I will review the manuals in this series. This month we will start with Workplace Safety in Action -- Job Safety Analysis.
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is an analysis of the hazards associated with a particular job. It focuses on eliminating hazards and providing resources to increase safety (e.g. Personal Protective Equipment). The analysis assesses each aspect of a task and addresses the items which could result in an injury to an individual. This involves an evaluation of the mechanics of any operation, identifying what can go wrong, and how to do it safely. It also involves an analysis of the body mechanics and ergonomics involved in an operation. There are four essential elements to a thorough JSA. They are: 1) selecting jobs for analysis; 2) breaking the job into steps; 3) identifying hazards, unsafe conditions and unsafe work practices associated with each step; and 4) identifying the correct and safe way to perform each step. The concept of a job safety analysis may be new to many DoD safety managers but it is fairly common in commercial industries. Many commercial industries rely on this process when developing standards for new tasks. This same process can be a valuable tool to DoD organizations.
Workplace Safety in Action -- Job Safety Analysis begins with an introduction to the job safety analysis process and defines terms and concepts. The job safety analysis is compared to other hazard identification techniques and Keller emphasizes the unique capabilities of this process. The introduction then provides an overview of the job safety analysis process. This overview provides an introduction to concepts detailed in later chapters.
In the heart of the book, Keller uses a who, what, where, why, and how approach for detailing the job safety analysis process. These chapters contain step by step instructions for identifying hazards and completing the process. There are chapters covering Who Conducts a Job Safety Analysis, Selecting Jobs for Analysis, Breaking the Job Into Steps, Identifying Hazards, and What to Do With the Results. Safety manager’s need not worry about using a new concept to identify hazards in the workplace. Through these chapters, Workplace Safety in Action -- Job Safety Analysis provides safety managers with all the necessary knowledge needed to employ the process in their workplace.
Keller approaches the need for a job safety analysis by defining it’s cost effectiveness through accident reduction and provides a series of blank forms and documentation tools that focus on cost savings. This cost effective concept is common throughout the commercial world and uses the same logic for safety that "Protect the Force" does in DoD safety programs. The process and the forms can be easily adapted into a "Protect the Force" concept to specifically meet our reporting needs. (Look for DoD related job safety analysis forms on our Job Safety Analysis section of this web site in the near future).
Summary
Workplace Safety in Action -- Job Safety Analysis is a complete and detailed guide to the job safety analysis process. Though not specifically designed around the needs of DoD organizations, this manual can provide valuable tools for identifying hazards in the workplace of DoD organizations.
Workplace Safety in Action -- Job Safety Analysis gets 3˝ crosses
J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
30003 W. Breezewood Lane, P.O. Box 368
Neenah, Wisconsin 54957-0368
(800) 558-5001
http://www.jjkeller.com/
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