JSAs - Work Instructions

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A JSA is about safe process management. A JSA is a method of managing a process through planning, coordinating and providing information to those involved in the task. A JSA sets out the method that will be used and the way that hazards associated with the task will be managed on that site and for that particular task.

JSAs also provide the planning tool needed for principal contractors and site supervisors to coordinate the task/workplace activities. The JSA is the reference to ensure that everyone is working in a co-coordinated manner and are aware of the steps to be taken to complete the job safely.

Key Success Factors

• JSA’s should be a consultative process completed before work commences, as part of the tool box meeting or other planning.
• JSA’s must consider other risk assessments that provide information about plant, equipment or other factors pertinent to the task.
• Each contractor or worker involved with the task should know what is in the JSA and their role in the process.
• JSA’s do not replace information, instruction, training and supervision.

Completing a JSA

1. Break the job down into logical steps taking into consideration what is required to be achieved by the task.
2. Against each step, identify the workplace hazards in this activity i.e. the ways that a person [or plant] could be injured or harmed [or damaged] during each step.
3. Decide on measures required to mitigate hazards. i.e. what could be done to make the job safer and prevent the injuries or harm that may occur.
4. Identify roles and responsibilities for actions and outcomes to make ensure risk controls are carried out and supervision of the process occurs.
5. Ensure the JSA is fully understood by all workers prior to commencing the task.

Work Instruction

A work instruction should provide specific information on how to conduct a task. It should have a scope limited and directed to an activity and may require some training to ensure understanding and capability. Work instructions are sometimes required to provide additional instruction and detail not normally included in a JSA but required to ensure proper work methods are followed.