How can the job hazard analysis process be more effective? CPWR explores

Silver Spring, MD — Complacency, ineffective communication from management, lack of input and buy-in from workers, and isolation of upper management from jobs are some of the common issues that make the job hazard analysis process ineffective, according to a recent case study from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Researchers from CWPR analyzed 30 sample JHA documents and conducted 23 “semi-structured” interviews with safety professionals from 17 construction companies. Findings show that most of the documents don’t have instructions for conducting a JHA. They also lack a risk assessment matrix, visual representations or reference information for control recommendations.

Despite the disadvantages to using paper forms, around half of the safety pros said they still use them over electronic forms. The practice was most common among smaller contractors.

CPWR advises “active coordination” among all parties and frequently updating information based on site conditions to keep JHA content current. The center also encourages rotating JHA leaders to empower employees and improve buy-in from construction crews. Additionally, use mini-JHA cards or one-page summaries to make content more accessible to employees as well as visual aids to make content easier to understand.

The study was published online Jan. 23 in the International Journal of Construction Education and Research.