What is the primary objective of a job safety analysis (JSA)?

The primary objective of a job safety analysis (JSA) is to identify hazards and develop safe work procedures. This systematic approach involves breaking down a job into its individual tasks and examining each step for potential hazards. By doing so, a JSA helps in pinpointing risks associated with specific job tasks and allows organizations to implement controls or safe work procedures to mitigate those risks. This ensures that employees are aware of the dangers they may face and are equipped with the knowledge to perform their tasks safely, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

While enhancing employee engagement in safety, reducing labor costs, and promoting safety awards are also important aspects of an overall safety program, they do not capture the core purpose of a JSA. The primary focus remains on hazard identification and the establishment of safety measures, which are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.