How a job hazard analysis works
OSHA describes a job hazard analysis as a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur, looking at the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools and the work environment. For each hazard, OSHA's guide asks: what can go wrong, what are the consequences, how could it arise, what are other contributing factors, and how likely is it that the hazard will occur.
OSHA says priority should go to jobs with the highest injury or illness rates; jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries, even with no history of accidents; jobs where one simple human error could lead to a severe accident; jobs that are new or have changed; and jobs complex enough to need written instructions.
When choosing controls, OSHA's guide prefers engineering controls that physically change a machine or work environment, then administrative controls that change how the job is done. It says to involve your employees, review your accident history including near misses, and review the analysis when a job changes or after an injury or close call.
How to use it
Fill in the job details, then add one row for each step of the job in the order it is done. For each step, write the hazards (use the five questions above) and the controls that remove or reduce them. Walk through it with the crew before the job starts, and add what they spot.
The form saves in this browser. Print it or save it as a PDF and keep a copy with the job.
With Koira: Crew
Koira shows you who is on which job and for how long, from each person's phone. Keep the job hazard analysis with the job so everyone on the crew sees the same plan.
Sources
- OSHA 3071: Job Hazard Analysis, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.