The 6 Benefits of Job Hazard Analysis

Workplace safety goes beyond simply following the law. A safe and healthy workplace is good for business—it can help you avoid costly injuries, workers' compensation claims, lawsuits, and employee sick days.

One key to maintaining a safe workplace is to conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA). A JHA is a process that helps you identify and control workplace hazards before they cause injuries, illnesses, or death.

1. Setting performance standards

A JHA will help you define what safe performance looks like for a particular job or task.

For example, if you're conducting a JHA for a job that involves lifting, you would want to identify how much weight can be safely lifted and the appropriate lifting techniques to use. Then, you can use the JHA to train employees on the lifting standards you've set.

This accomplishes three things: increases efficiency, establishes accountability, and promotes safety all at the same time.

2. Complying with OSHA requirements

Conducting a JHA is one way to help ensure your workplace is in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

OSHA requires employers to conduct a JHA for any job that has the potential to cause death or serious injury. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, business closure, and in some cases, jail time.

3. Proactively identifying hazards

Prevention is always better than cure. A JHA can help you identify potential hazards way before they cause any problem. This is especially important when introducing new equipment, chemicals, or processes to the workplace.

4. Updating operating procedures

Conducting regular job hazard analysis is one of the easiest ways to keep your operating procedures up to date. As your workplace changes, so do the hazards. Some examples are:

• Changes in technology or equipment
• Changes in the workforce (e.g., new employees, temps, or contractors)
• Changes in the physical workspace (e.g., remodelling, construction, or damage)

On top of that, a JHA also helps your safety standards evolve along your industry's best practices.

5. Reducing insurance premiums

Insurance companies take workplace safety seriously—and they should. Workplace injuries and illnesses cost businesses billions of dollars every year. So, it's no surprise that insurance companies offer lower premiums to businesses with a good safety record.

Conducting a JHA is one way to show your insurance company that you're serious about safety. When you identify and control hazards, you're less likely to have a claim.

And, when employees are injured on the job, a JHA can help you determine if the injury was due to a workplace hazard or employee misconduct. This information can be used to defend against fraudulent workers' compensation claims.

6. Improving morale and productivity

The sense of safety resulting from a JHA creates a cascading effect. When employees feel safe, they're happier and more productive.

In particular, a safer workplace can:

• Reduce absenteeism: Healthy workers are more likely to show up for their shifts instead of calling out.
• Increase focus and engagement: Employees who feel safe can focus on their work and be more engaged with their tasks.
• Improve retention: Employees are less likely to leave a company that cares about their safety.
• Attract top talent: Your reputation as a safe workplace can help you attract the best and brightest employees.

In other words, a JHA protects both your employees and your bottom line.

Final Thoughts

The tangible and intangible benefits of job hazard analysis make it an essential part of any safety program. Get started with a JHA for your business, for free.