What a Job Hazard Analysis Should Look Like

Here’s an example of a job hazard analysis developed by OSHA for a job that involves grinding iron castings.

There are three basic steps involved in this job:

Step 1— Reach into metal box to right of machine, grasp casting, and carry to wheel.
Step 2— Push casting against wheel to grind off burr.
Step 3— Place finished casting in box to left of machine.

We only have space to show you the analysis for the hazards involved in Step 1 of the job. But that’ll be sufficient to give you a clear idea of how the process should look.

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Step 1, Hazard 1

Job Location: Metal Shop                  Name of Analyst:                                     Date:

Task Description: Worker reaches into metal box to the right of the machine, grasps a 15-pound casting and carries it to grinding wheel. Worker grinds 20 to 30 castings per hour.

Hazard Description: Picking up a casting, the employee could drop it onto his foot. The casting’s weight and height could seriously injure the worker’s foot or toes.

Hazard Controls: 1. Remove castings from the box and place them on a table next to the grinder. 2. Wear steel-toe shoes with arch protection. 3. Change protective gloves that allow a better grip. 4. Use a device to pick up castings

Step 1, Hazard 2

Job Location: Metal Shop                  Name of Analyst:                                      Date:

Task Description: Worker reaches into metal box to the right of the machine, grasps a 15-pound casting and carries it to grinding wheel. Worker grinds 20 to 30 castings per hour.

Hazard Description: Castings have sharp burrs and edges that can cause severe lacerations.

Hazard Controls: 1. Use a device such as a clamp to pick up castings. 2. Wear cut-resistant gloves that allow a good grip and fit tightly to minimize the chance that they will get caught in grinding wheel.

Step 1, Hazard 3

Job Location: Metal Shop                  Name of Analyst:                                     Date:

Task Description: Worker reaches into metal box to the right of the machine, grasps a 15-pound casting and carries it to grinding wheel. Worker grinds 20 to 30 castings per hour.

Hazard Description: Reaching, twisting, and lifting 15-pound castings from the floor could result in a muscle strain to the lower back.

Hazard Controls: 1. Move castings from the ground and place them closer to the work zone to minimize lifting. Ideally, place them at waist height or on an adjustable platform or pallet. 2. Train workers not to twist while lifting and reconfigure work stations to minimize twisting during lifts.

That’s Step 1. If you were conducting this job hazard analysis, you’d now repeat the process with Steps 2 and 3 of the job, identifying all the hazards of each step and listing hazard controls for each hazard.

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