2. Selecting Jobs for Analysis

Selecting Jobs for Analysis

A job safety analysis can be performed for all jobs in the workplace, whether the job task is particular (non-routine) or routine. Even one-step jobs such as those in which only a button is pressed can and perhaps should be analyzed by evaluating surrounding work conditions.

To determine which jobs should be analyzed first, review your job injury and illness reports. Obviously, a job safety analysis should be conducted first for jobs with the highest rates of disabling injuries and illnesses.

Also, jobs, where close calls or near misses have occurred, should be given priority. Analyses of new jobs and jobs where changes have been made in processes and procedures should follow. Eventually, a job safety analysis should be conducted and made available to employees for all jobs in the workplace.

Involving the Employee

Once you have selected a job for analysis, discuss the procedure with the employee performing the job and explain its purpose. Point out that you are studying the job itself, not checking on the employee’s job performance. Involve the employee in all phases of the analysis from reviewing the job steps and procedures to discussing potential hazards and recommended solutions. You also should talk to other workers who have performed the same job.

• Are lockout procedures used for machinery deactivation during maintenance procedures?

Conducting the Job Safety Analysis

Before actually beginning the job safety analysis, take a look at the general conditions under which the job is performed and develop a checklist. Below are some sample questions you might ask.

• Are there materials on the floor that could trip a worker?
• Is lighting adequate?
• Are there any live electrical hazards at the job site?
• Are any chemical, physical, biological, or radiation hazards associated with the job or likely to develop?
• Are tools including hand tools, machines, and equipment in need of repair?
• Is there excessive noise in the work area, hindering worker communication or causing the hearing loss?
• Are job procedures known and are they followed or modified?
• Are emergency exits clearly marked?
• Are trucks or motorized vehicles properly equipped with brakes, overhead guards, backup signals, horns, steering gear, and identification, as necessary?
• Are all employees operating vehicles and equipment properly trained and authorized?
• Are employees wearing proper personal protective equipment for the jobs they are performing?
• Have any employees complained of headaches, breathing problems, dizziness, or strong odours?
• Is ventilation adequate, especially in confined or enclosed spaces?
• Have tests been made for oxygen deficiency and toxic fumes in confined spaces before entry?
• Are workstations and tools designed to prevent back and wrist injuries?
• Are employees trained in the event of a fire, explosion, or toxic gas release?

Naturally, this list is by no means complete because each worksite has its own requirements and environmental conditions. You should add your own questions to the list. You also might take photographs of the workplace, if appropriate, for use in making a more detailed analysis of the work environment.

• Is the worker wearing clothing or jewellery that could get caught in the machinery or otherwise cause a hazard?

Breaking Down the Job

Nearly every job can be broken down into job tasks or steps. In the first part of the job safety analysis, list each step of the job in order of occurrence as you watch the employee performing the job.

Be sure to record enough information to describe each job action, but do not make the breakdown too detailed. Later, go over the job steps with the employee.

Figure 1 shows a worker performing the basic job steps for grinding iron castings.