706 Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis

Points to Remember

• Remind the worker why it is important to do the step safely: Many workers may know the rule but not fully understand why it's important. OSHA rules focus on what to do but not always why it matters. Trainers and supervisors must explain the natural and system consequences of not following procedures. For example, skipping a safety step may lead to a serious injury (natural consequence), and it may also lead to a warning or disciplinary action from the employer (system consequence). Explaining both helps workers understand that their actions matter and that safety is everyone's responsibility. Remember, no safety program works well without accountability. Each worker must be held responsible for following safe procedures.
• Include notes, cautions, and warnings: In each step, explain the danger and what must be done to stay safe. For example, if there is a risk of electrical shock, the step should include a warning like: "WARNING: Contact with live wires can cause electric shock or death. Always verify the circuit is de-energized before beginning work." This helps the worker understand the risks (like injury or illness) and the benefits (like staying healthy and safe) of using proper safety precautions.

• Be careful with jargon: Some jobs use special words or acronyms that not everyone may know. If you use them, explain what they mean the first time. For example, instead of just writing "PPE," write "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)." After that, you can use just the letters "PPE." This makes sure the SJP is clear and easy to understand for all workers, including new hires or workers from other departments.

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