Overview
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a step-by-step review of how a job is done, the hazards involved at each step, and the controls needed to perform the work safely. JHAs help departments and units integrate safety into everyday operations, reduce injuries, and support compliance with OSHA and UMD requirements.
ESSR’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) group works with supervisors and employees across campus to develop, review, and maintain JHAs for a wide range of tasks including, but not limited to, routine maintenance, custodial work, grounds operations, shop activities, HVAC and mechanical system maintenance, and event support.
Training and Support
- ESSR Training
- Workday Training. Part 1: Provides an overview of the JHA process, and how to integrate JHAs into daily operations. Part 2: Provides direction on completing the JHA.
- Consultation and Assistance
- To request JHA assistance, use the AskESSR form (select ‘Job Hazard Analysis’) or email osh@umd.edu.
- OSH staff can help prioritize jobs, develop or review JHAs, and identify additional controls or improvement opportunities.
- Integration with Other ESSR Programs
- JHAs support and inform several related safety programs, including:
- PPE assessments and selection – Identifying tasks that require eye/face, hand, foot, hearing, or respiratory protection.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) – Defining energy control steps and safe work practices for servicing and maintenance.
- OSH Modification Program – Documenting hazards and justifying engineering or structural controls (e.g., ventilation, lift assists, guarding).
- JHAs support and inform several related safety programs, including:
Forms, Templates, and Tools
Job Hazard Analysis Template
- Standard form for documenting job steps, hazards, and controls. Includes fields for job or task information, location, preparer and reviewer, and review and revision dates.
- JHA Template_English.pdf (306.61 KB)
- JHA Template_Spanish.pdf (705.62 KB)
External Resources
The following external resources provide additional guidance on Job Hazard Analysis:
-
OSHA_Job_Hazard_Analysis.pdf
(481.33 KB)
Overview of the JHA concept, examples, and recommended methods.
-
OSHA_Job_Hazard_Analysis_Worksheet.pdf
(535.79 KB)
Step-by-step worksheet for selecting a job, breaking it into steps, identifying hazards, and choosing controls; includes a job example.
-
Job_Hazard_Analysis_Guide.pdf
(132.54 KB)
Practical primer on identifying and controlling workplace hazards through JHAs.
-
JSA_ASSE_Its_Role_Today.pdf
(543.46 KB)
Discussion of how JSAs/JHAs fit into modern safety management systems and risk reduction efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a JHA for every job?
No. Start with higher-risk jobs, jobs with incident history, or jobs that are new or significantly changing. Over time, departments can expand their JHA library to cover more routine tasks.
How often should JHAs be reviewed?
JHAs should be reviewed whenever there is a change in the job, equipment, materials, or work environment; after incidents or significant near-misses; and periodically as part of your unit’s safety review process.
What is the difference between a JHA and an SOP?
A JHA focuses on hazards and controls for each step of the job. An SOP describes the detailed procedure for performing the job. They can be combined or cross-referenced; many units use a JHA to inform the safety content of their SOPs.
Can we adapt example JHAs from other departments?
Yes. Examples can be a useful starting point, but each JHA should be reviewed and customized to match your specific equipment, layout, and work practices.
Who keeps the JHAs once they’re completed?
Departments should keep JHAs in a location that is accessible to supervisors and employees (e.g., shared drives, shop binders, or linked to work order systems). ESSR can maintain copies as needed when assisting with development or review.