⚠️ Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Guide

A complete guide to creating effective Job Hazard Analyses for construction. Identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls before work begins — not after an incident.

📄 All JHA/JSA Resources

Resource	What It Covers
You are here — JHA Guide	How-to guide with examples, risk matrix, hierarchy of controls
JSA/JHA Playbook	Implementation workflow, roles, metrics, troubleshooting
JHA Procedure (SOP)	Company procedure — when JHAs are required, policy, compliance
JSA Template (Download)	Downloadable form with fill-out instructions

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What is a JHA?

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a structured technique that:

1. Breaks a specific job into individual steps
2. Identifies potential hazards at each step
3. Determines controls to eliminate or reduce each hazard

The result is a documented, task-specific safety plan that every worker reviews and signs before starting work.

JHA vs. JSA — Same Thing, Different Name

You'll hear both terms used interchangeably. JHA (Job Hazard Analysis), JSA (Job Safety Analysis), AHA (Activity Hazard Analysis), and THA (Task Hazard Analysis) all refer to the same process. The Army Corps of Engineers uses AHA; most commercial construction uses JHA or JSA.

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Why JHAs Matter

The Human Case

The construction industry accounts for roughly 20% of all workplace fatalities in the U.S. despite employing about 6% of the workforce. Most of these deaths involve the "Fatal Four":

Fatal Four Hazard	% of Construction Deaths
Falls	~36%
Struck-By	~10%
Electrocution	~8%
Caught-In/Between	~2%

A properly completed JHA directly addresses each of these by forcing crews to identify and control hazards step-by-step before picking up a tool.

The Business Case

Impact	Without JHAs	With JHAs
OSHA citations	Frequent	Rare
EMR trending	Rising	Declining
Workers' comp costs	Increasing	Controlled
GC prequalification	Failing	Passing
Project delays from incidents	Common	Minimal

OSHA Expects Pre-Task Hazard Analysis

OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards." A JHA is your documented proof that you identified and controlled hazards before work began. Without one, you have no defense.

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When is a JHA Required?

Always Required For

• High-hazard activities (excavation, confined space, hot work, work at heights, crane/rigging, electrical, LOTO, demolition, steel erection)
• New or unfamiliar tasks — First time performing a task on this project
• Non-routine work — One-off activities outside normal scope
• Tasks with incident history — Any task that has caused injuries on past projects
• Complex multi-trade operations — Multiple crews working in overlapping areas

Should Trigger a JHA Review

• Conditions change — Weather, site layout, adjacent work activities
• New equipment introduced — Unfamiliar tools or machinery
• After a near-miss — Similar task had a close call
• Personnel change — New crew members unfamiliar with the task
• Annually — Routine tasks should still be reviewed at least once per year

JHA vs. Other Safety Documents

Document	When Created	Scope	Detail Level
Site-Specific Safety Plan	Project start	Entire project	High-level policies
JHA/JSA	Before each task	One specific task	Step-by-step hazards and controls
Daily Pre-Task Plan	Each morning	That day's activities	Summary of day's tasks and hazards
Toolbox Talk	Weekly/daily	General awareness topic	Educational discussion
Permit (hot work, confined space)	Before permitted work	Specific permitted activity	Conditions and authorization

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The JHA Process — Step by Step

Step 1: Select the Job

Not every task gets its own JHA, so prioritize:

1. Jobs with the highest injury/illness rates — Check your OSHA 300 log
2. Jobs with potential for severe injury or death — Even if infrequent
3. New jobs or changed procedures — No history to rely on
4. Infrequently performed jobs — Workers may be rusty

Tip: Start by listing every task your crew will perform on the project. Then rank them by risk. High-hazard tasks get individual JHAs. Lower-risk routine tasks can be grouped.

Step 2: Break the Job Into Steps

Walk through the task from start to finish and write down each distinct step.

Guidelines:

• Target 5–15 steps — fewer than 5 is too vague, more than 15 is too granular
• Start each step with an action verb (position, install, operate, connect, lift)
• Keep steps in chronological sequence
• Include setup and cleanup steps — injuries often happen during these
• Observe the work if possible — don't just write from memory

Example — Installing Roof Guardrails:

Step #	Job Step
1	Stage materials and equipment at ground level
2	Transport materials to roof level via hoist
3	Position ladder at access point
4	Climb to roof surface (with 100% tie-off)
5	Measure and mark post locations
6	Drill and install base posts
7	Attach top rail sections
8	Attach mid rail sections
9	Install toe boards
10	Inspect completed guardrail system
11	Remove temporary fall protection and tools

Don't Skip Setup and Cleanup

About 25% of construction injuries happen during material handling, staging, and cleanup — not during the "main" task. Always include these steps in your JHA.

Step 3: Identify Hazards at Each Step

For every step, ask: "What could go wrong?"

Hazard Categories

Use these categories as a mental checklist to avoid missing hazards:

Category	Description	Examples
Struck-By	Something hits the worker	Falling tools, swinging loads, flying debris
Struck-Against	Worker hits something	Walking into objects, using hand tools
Caught-In/Between	Body part trapped	Pinch points, rotating machinery, trench collapse
Falls	From elevation or same level	Unguarded edges, ladders, slippery surfaces
Overexertion	Physical strain	Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, awkward postures
Electrical	Contact with electrical energy	Live circuits, overhead power lines, damaged cords
Exposure	Contact with harmful substances	Chemicals, silica dust, noise, extreme temperatures
Fire/Explosion	Ignition of flammable materials	Hot work near combustibles, gas leaks
Engulfment	Buried or submerged	Trench cave-in, grain bin, flooding
Biological	Contact with biological hazards	Sewage, mold, animal waste, insects

Hazard Identification Questions

Ask these at every step:

• Can any body part get caught in or between objects?
• Can the worker slip, trip, or fall?
• Can the worker be struck by moving or falling objects?
• Can the worker contact electrical energy?
• Can lifting, pushing, or pulling cause strain?
• Is there exposure to harmful substances (dust, fumes, chemicals)?
• Is there exposure to extreme temperatures?
• Is there potential for fire or explosion?
• Is there noise above 85 dBA?
• Are there overhead hazards?
• Is the work area well-lit and ventilated?
• Could weather affect this task?

Step 4: Assess Risk

Not all hazards carry the same risk. Use a Risk Assessment Matrix to prioritize which hazards need the strongest controls.

Risk = Severity × Probability

Severity — How bad could the injury be?

Rating	Severity	Description
1	Minor	First aid only (cut, bruise, minor strain)
2	Moderate	Medical treatment (stitches, sprain, minor fracture)
3	Serious	Lost time injury (broken bone, hospitalization)
4	Critical	Permanent disability or life-threatening
5	Catastrophic	Fatality or multiple serious injuries

Probability — How likely is it to occur?

Rating	Probability	Description
1	Rare	Could happen but very unlikely
2	Unlikely	Has happened before in the industry
3	Possible	Has happened on similar projects
4	Likely	Has happened on this project/with this crew
5	Almost Certain	Expected to occur without controls

Risk Matrix

	Minor (1)	Moderate (2)	Serious (3)	Critical (4)	Catastrophic (5)
Almost Certain (5)	5 - Medium	10 - High	15 - Extreme	20 - Extreme	25 - Extreme
Likely (4)	4 - Low	8 - High	12 - Extreme	16 - Extreme	20 - Extreme
Possible (3)	3 - Low	6 - Medium	9 - High	12 - Extreme	15 - Extreme
Unlikely (2)	2 - Low	4 - Low	6 - Medium	8 - High	10 - High
Rare (1)	1 - Low	2 - Low	3 - Low	4 - Low	5 - Medium

Risk Action Levels:

Risk Level	Score	Required Action
Extreme	12–25	Stop. Do not proceed until controls reduce risk. Requires safety director review.
High	8–10	Implement controls before work. Supervisor must verify.
Medium	5–6	Implement controls. Monitor throughout task.
Low	1–4	Standard precautions. PPE and awareness.

Step 5: Develop Controls

For every hazard, determine controls using the Hierarchy of Controls — always starting at the top.

Hierarchy of Controls (Most to Least Effective)

1. Elimination — Remove the hazard entirely

• Can the task be done differently to eliminate the hazard?
• Can the hazard be designed out?
• Example: Pre-fabricate assemblies at ground level instead of working at height

2. Substitution — Replace with something less hazardous

• Can a less toxic chemical be used?
• Can a quieter tool replace a loud one?
• Example: Use mechanical lifting instead of manual handling

3. Engineering Controls — Physically isolate workers from the hazard

• Guardrails, barriers, ventilation systems, tool guards
• These protect everyone automatically without relying on behavior
• Example: Install guardrails along open edges vs. relying on harnesses

4. Administrative Controls — Change how work is done

• Training, signage, procedures, job rotation, scheduling
• Requires workers to follow rules to be effective
• Example: Rotate workers to limit noise exposure time

5. PPE — Personal Protective Equipment (Last Resort)

• Hard hats, safety glasses, harnesses, respirators, gloves
• Only protects the individual wearing it correctly
• Example: Respirator for silica exposure during concrete cutting

Apply Multiple Layers

Effective JHAs rarely rely on just one control. Layer controls together — engineering controls backed by administrative controls and PPE creates defense in depth.

Control Examples by Hazard

Hazard	Elimination	Substitution	Engineering	Administrative	PPE
Fall from height	Pre-fab at ground level	Use scissor lift vs. ladder	Guardrails	Fall protection training	Harness + lanyard
Silica dust	Eliminate cutting on-site	Use pre-cut materials	Wet cutting + LEV	Exposure monitoring, rotation	N95/P100 respirator
Struck-by (overhead)	Schedule to avoid overhead work	Lighter materials	Barricades, toe boards	Exclusion zones, spotters	Hard hat
Noise (over 85 dBA)	Eliminate noisy task	Quieter equipment	Sound barriers	Limit exposure time	Earplugs/muffs
Electrical contact	De-energize circuit	Lower voltage tools	GFCI, insulated tools	LOTO procedure	Rubber gloves, face shield
Manual lifting	Eliminate manual handling	Lighter components	Mechanical assist (hoist)	Team lift policy, rotation	Back support (limited use)

Step 6: Document the JHA

Use your company's standard JHA form or the JSA Template. The completed document must include:

• Header — Project name, date, task description, location, author
• Job steps — In sequence, with action verbs
• Hazards — Specific hazards at each step (not vague like "safety hazard")
• Controls — Specific controls for each hazard (not vague like "be careful")
• Risk ratings — Severity, probability, and risk level for each hazard
• Required PPE — Specific to this task
• Emergency info — Contacts, first aid location, evacuation route
• Signatures — All workers who will perform the task

Step 7: Review With the Crew

The JHA is useless if the crew doesn't understand it.

During the pre-task meeting:

1. Walk through each step and its hazards
2. Explain why each control was chosen
3. Ask the crew: "What did we miss?"
4. Encourage workers to speak up — they know the job
5. Make adjustments based on crew input
6. Have everyone sign the JHA
7. Post a copy at the work area

Workers Are Your Best Resource

The people doing the work see hazards that supervisors miss. A JHA developed without crew input is incomplete. Studies show worker-involved JHAs identify 30-40% more hazards than those written by supervisors alone.

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Complete JHA Examples

Example 1: Concrete Slab Placement (Elevated)

Project: Downtown Office Building
Task: Concrete placement — elevated slab (Level 3)
Prepared By: Mike Johnson, Foreman
Date: 02/01/2026

Step	Hazard	Severity	Probability	Risk	Controls
1. Pre-pour inspection and setup	Fall through deck openings	5	3	15 - Extreme	Guardrails in place, covers secured and labeled, 100% tie-off near openings
	Trip hazards (rebar, hoses)	2	4	8 - High	Housekeeping, walkways marked, good lighting
2. Position concrete pump	Struck by pump boom	4	2	8 - High	Dedicated spotter for setup, barricade swing radius, no workers under boom
	Struck by truck	4	2	8 - High	Traffic control plan, spotter, backup alarm verified
3. Connect pump line and hoses	Pinch points at connections	2	3	6 - Medium	Gloves, clear hand placement, never reach into connections
	Pressurized hose whip	4	2	8 - High	Check all connections, safety chains on couplings, clear area at startup
4. Begin concrete placement	Silica exposure	3	4	12 - Extreme	Wet methods, respiratory protection if above PEL, monitor exposure
	Slips on wet concrete	2	4	8 - High	Non-slip rubber boots, designated walkways, immediate cleanup
5. Spread and vibrate concrete	Electrocution from vibrator	5	2	10 - High	GFCI on all equipment, inspect cords before use, keep cords out of water
	Concrete burns (skin contact)	2	4	8 - High	Rubber boots, rubber gloves, long sleeves, wash exposed skin immediately
6. Finish concrete surface	Overexertion (bull float)	2	4	8 - High	Rotate workers every 30 min, use long handles, stretch breaks
	Knee/back strain	3	3	9 - High	Knee boards, ergonomic tools, rotate positions
7. Apply curing compound	Chemical exposure (inhalation/skin)	3	3	9 - High	Review SDS, proper PPE per SDS, apply with sprayer (not brush)
	Slip hazard (wet surface)	2	3	6 - Medium	Warning signs, barricade area, non-slip footwear
8. Cleanup and demobilize	Heavy lifting (hoses, equipment)	2	3	6 - Medium	Team lift for items over 50 lbs, mechanical assist where possible
	Concrete in eyes	3	2	6 - Medium	Safety glasses, eye wash station within 50 feet

Required PPE: Hard hat, safety glasses, high-vis vest, rubber gloves, steel-toe rubber boots, fall protection harness (near edges/openings)

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Example 2: Trench Excavation (6-Foot Depth)

Project: Municipal Water Main Replacement
Task: Trench excavation and pipe installation
Prepared By: Sarah Chen, Superintendent
Date: 02/05/2026

Step	Hazard	Severity	Probability	Risk	Controls
1. Locate and mark utilities	Struck by traffic	5	3	15 - Extreme	Traffic control plan, flaggers, high-vis vests, barricades
	Contact with underground utility	5	2	10 - High	Call 811 (48 hrs prior), hand dig within 24" of marked utilities, verify with potholing
2. Set up traffic control	Struck by vehicle	5	3	15 - Extreme	MOT plan per MUTCD, signs 500' advance, flaggers with radios, crash truck
3. Excavate trench	Trench collapse/cave-in	5	3	15 - Extreme	Competent person on-site, trench box or sloping per soil type, inspect daily + after rain
	Struck by excavator	5	2	10 - High	Swing radius barricaded, spotter, no workers in swing zone
	Utility strike (gas, electric)	5	2	10 - High	Pothole to verify, hand dig near utilities, competent person directs digging
4. Install trench protection	Caught between trench box/wall	4	2	8 - High	Workers clear during placement, operator lowers slowly, spotter directs
	Falling into trench	3	3	9 - High	Spoil pile 2' back from edge, barricade unprotected areas, access ladder within 25'
5. Enter trench and prepare base	Engulfment/cave-in	5	2	10 - High	Trench box in place, competent person inspects, ladder access within 25' of workers
	Atmospheric hazard	5	2	10 - High	Monitor atmosphere if over 4' deep or contamination suspected, ventilate if needed
	Water accumulation	3	3	9 - High	Dewatering pump on-site, competent person monitors conditions
6. Lower pipe into trench	Struck by pipe/load	4	3	12 - Extreme	Tag lines on all loads, workers clear of suspended load, certified rigging
	Caught between pipe and wall	4	2	8 - High	No workers between pipe and trench wall during lowering
7. Join and test pipe	Overexertion	2	3	6 - Medium	Mechanical assistance, proper tools, team effort
8. Backfill and compact	Struck by equipment	5	2	10 - High	All workers out of trench before backfill, spotter for equipment
	Vibration exposure (compactor)	2	3	6 - Medium	Rotate operators, anti-vibration gloves, limit exposure time

Required PPE: Hard hat, safety glasses, high-vis vest, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, gloves

Competent Person Required: Yes — must be on-site during all trench operations per OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P

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Example 3: Electrical Panel Installation

Project: Commercial Tenant Improvement
Task: Install 400A electrical distribution panel
Prepared By: David Martinez, Lead Electrician
Date: 02/08/2026

Step	Hazard	Severity	Probability	Risk	Controls
1. Verify de-energized / LOTO	Electrocution (unexpected energization)	5	2	10 - High	LOTO procedure, test with voltage meter, try-before-touch, locks on all sources
2. Stage panel and components	Manual lifting strain (panel 150+ lbs)	3	3	9 - High	Mechanical lift or team lift (4 workers min), plan route to install location
	Dropped panel on feet/hands	3	2	6 - Medium	Steel-toe boots, gloves, clear path, secure on cart
3. Mount panel to wall	Fall from ladder	4	3	12 - Extreme	Use baker scaffold instead of ladder, 3-point contact, inspect before use
	Struck by tools/fasteners	2	3	6 - Medium	Tool lanyards, safety glasses, clear area below
4. Pull and terminate conductors	Electrical contact (adjacent live panels)	5	2	10 - High	Verify all sources de-energized, barriers on adjacent live equipment, qualified workers only
	Cuts from wire/cable	2	3	6 - Medium	Cut-resistant gloves, proper tools, cut away from body
	Strain from pulling cable	2	4	8 - High	Mechanical pulling assist, team pull, proper body mechanics
5. Torque connections	Arc flash at energization	5	2	10 - High	Verify LOTO still in place, calibrated torque wrench, proper torque values per manufacturer
6. Energize and test	Arc flash / electrocution	5	2	10 - High	Stand to side when energizing, arc flash PPE per incident energy study, qualified person only
	Unexpected fault	4	2	8 - High	Verify all connections, mega-ohm test before energizing, clear area

Required PPE: Hard hat, safety glasses, voltage-rated gloves (Class 00 min), arc-rated clothing (per arc flash study), steel-toe boots, leather protectors over rubber gloves

Qualified Person Required: Yes — only qualified electrical workers per NFPA 70E

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Example 4: Scaffold Erection

Project: Exterior Renovation — Historic Building
Task: Erect frame scaffold (60' height, 200' length)
Prepared By: Tom Reeves, Scaffold Foreman
Date: 02/10/2026

Step	Hazard	Severity	Probability	Risk	Controls
1. Inspect ground conditions and layout	Uneven ground / soft soil	3	3	9 - High	Mudsills on all legs, level ground, competent person approves base
	Underground utilities	4	2	8 - High	Utility locate complete, avoid utility paths
2. Set base plates and mudsills	Pinch points (heavy base plates)	2	3	6 - Medium	Gloves, clear hand placement, team handling
3. Erect first lift (0-6')	Manual lifting strain	2	4	8 - High	Team lift frames, rotate workers, proper body mechanics
	Struck by falling components	3	2	6 - Medium	Hard hats, controlled lowering, no throwing components
4. Install planking and guardrails (first lift)	Fall from platform	4	3	12 - Extreme	Erect guardrails before planking, personal fall arrest during erection
	Planks slipping	3	2	6 - Medium	Extend planks 6" past support, cleats or hooks, inspect condition
5. Continue erecting lifts (6-60')	Fall during erection	5	3	15 - Extreme	100% tie-off during erection, competent person directs, advance guardrails before climbing
	Falling objects on workers below	4	3	12 - Extreme	Exclusion zone below, toe boards on all levels, tool lanyards, debris nets
	Wind loading	4	2	8 - High	Stop work over 25 mph winds, secure incomplete sections, check weather forecast
6. Install access ladders	Fall through access opening	4	3	12 - Extreme	Self-closing gate at ladder openings, tie-off during install
7. Final inspection and tagging	Incomplete assembly	4	2	8 - High	Competent person inspects every component, red/green tag system, document inspection

Required PPE: Hard hat, safety glasses, high-vis vest, steel-toe boots, fall protection harness + retractable lanyard, gloves

Competent Person Required: Yes — must direct scaffold erection per OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L

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Common JHA Hazards by Trade

Use these as a starting point — every job site has unique hazards.

General Laborer

• Manual material handling (lifting, carrying, pushing)
• Struck-by falling objects
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Noise and dust exposure
• Contact with equipment/vehicles

Carpenter

• Power tool kickback and contact
• Falls from elevation (formwork, framing)
• Struck-by material (lumber, panels)
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Noise exposure (over 85 dBA from saws)

Concrete Worker

• Chemical burns from wet concrete (pH 12-13)
• Falls into/from formwork
• Silica dust exposure
• Struck-by pump line or boom
• Heavy lifting (vibrators, hoses, forms)

Electrician

• Electrocution / electric shock
• Arc flash burns
• Falls from ladders and lifts
• Confined space hazards
• Cable and wire cuts

Iron Worker

• Falls from height (steel erection)
• Struck-by steel members or tools
• Caught between structural members
• Welding burns and fumes
• Overexertion from heavy components

Plumber / Pipefitter

• Cuts and lacerations from tools and pipe
• Burns from soldering / brazing
• Biological hazards (sewage)
• Confined space entry
• Trench collapse (underground work)

Roofer

• Falls from roof edge or through openings
• Burns from hot materials (BUR)
• Heat illness (summer roofing)
• Chemical exposure (adhesives, coatings)
• Struck-by material (lifted to roof)

Heavy Equipment Operator

• Rollover (uneven ground, slopes)
• Struck-by (other equipment, vehicles)
• Caught-between (equipment and structures)
• Overhead power line contact
• Vibration and noise exposure

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Common JHA Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Mistake	Problem	Fix
Vague hazards — "Safety hazard"	Doesn't help workers understand the specific danger	Be specific: "Fall from 12' scaffold platform to ground level"
Vague controls — "Be careful"	Not an actionable control measure	Be specific: "Install guardrails with mid-rail and toe board on all open sides"
Missing steps — No setup/cleanup	Injuries happen during overlooked phases	Include staging, material handling, and cleanup steps
Copy/paste JHA — Same JHA for every pour	Site-specific conditions not addressed	Customize each JHA for the actual job conditions that day
Supervisor-only — Written at a desk	Misses hazards only visible in the field	Develop with the crew who will do the work, at the work location
PPE-only controls — Everything solved with PPE	PPE is the least effective control	Apply hierarchy of controls — engineering and elimination first
One and done — JHA never updated	Conditions change, new hazards emerge	Review after incidents, near-misses, condition changes, and annually
No signatures — Crew didn't sign	No proof workers were informed	Require all workers to sign and date before starting work

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Digital vs. Paper JHAs

Paper JHAs

• Pros: No technology needed, works anywhere, familiar to most crews
• Cons: Handwriting legibility, easy to lose, hard to share, no revision tracking

Digital JHAs

• Pros: Templates, photo attachments, GPS location, instant sharing, automatic archiving, searchable library
• Cons: Requires device, battery/connectivity issues, learning curve

Transition Strategy

Start with paper if your crew is comfortable with it. As workers get used to the process, introduce digital tools gradually. The important thing is that JHAs get done — the format is secondary.

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Building a JHA Library

Over time, build a library of completed JHAs organized by trade and task:

Organization

JHA Library/
├── Concrete/
│   ├── Concrete Placement - Slab on Grade
│   ├── Concrete Placement - Elevated Slab
│   ├── Concrete Pumping
│   ├── Form and Strip - Walls
│   └── Form and Strip - Columns
├── Electrical/
│   ├── Panel Installation
│   ├── Conduit Installation
│   ├── Wire Pulling
│   └── Energization and Testing
├── Excavation/
│   ├── Trench Excavation (< 5 feet)
│   ├── Trench Excavation (5-20 feet)
│   └── Mass Excavation
├── Steel/
│   ├── Steel Erection
│   ├── Welding
│   └── Decking
└── General/
    ├── Scaffold Erection
    ├── Scaffold Dismantling
    ├── Material Handling
    └── Housekeeping

Library Management

• Review every JHA in the library at least annually
• Update immediately after any incident on that task
• Tag with metadata (trade, risk level, last reviewed date)
• Make accessible to all field supervisors (shared drive, app, binder)
• New projects start from library templates, then customize for site-specific conditions

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OSHA Regulatory References

Standard	Topic	Relevance to JHA
29 CFR 1926.20(b)	Accident Prevention Programs	Requires programs to provide safe and healthful conditions
29 CFR 1926 Subpart C	General Safety & Health Provisions	Safety programs, competent persons, training
29 CFR 1926 Subpart M	Fall Protection	Triggers JHA for work at heights
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P	Excavations	Triggers JHA for trench/excavation work
29 CFR 1926 Subpart L	Scaffolds	Triggers JHA for scaffold erection/use
29 CFR 1926 Subpart K	Electrical	Triggers JHA for electrical work
29 CFR 1926 Subpart Q	Welding and Cutting	Triggers JHA for hot work
29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA	Confined Spaces	Triggers JHA for confined space entry
29 CFR 1926.1153	Silica	Triggers JHA for silica-generating tasks
ANSI/ASSP Z590.3	Prevention through Design	Hierarchy of controls framework

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Tips for Effective JHAs

1. Be specific — "Fall from 20-foot scaffold platform" not "fall hazard"
2. Involve the crew — Workers doing the job know the real hazards
3. Use action words — Controls should be actions: "install," "barricade," "inspect" — not "be aware of"
4. Apply the hierarchy — Engineering controls before PPE, every time
5. Keep it to one page — A JHA that's too long won't get read in the field
6. Do it at the work location — Walk the area while developing the JHA
7. Update constantly — Conditions change; the JHA should change with them
8. Make it a conversation — The pre-task meeting discussion matters more than the paper
9. Follow through — Verify controls are actually implemented, not just written down
10. Learn from incidents — Every near-miss and injury should trigger a JHA review

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Related Resources

• JSA Template (Download)
• JSA/JHA Playbook
• Safety Compliance Guide
• Incident Reporting Guide
• Run Effective Safety Meetings
• Toolbox Talks Library