Analyzing every job for its hazards can reduce accidents. The purpose of a job analysis is not to evaluate job performance but to find hazards and then determine ways to reduce or eliminate them.
Look at each job you do in detail. Often we look at obvious dangers but ignore the simple, everyday things that can go wrong. Ask these questions about each task:
- Do we find risks if we study the job process step-by-step?
- Are any hazardous materials involved? Is there good training?
- Do workers always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE)?
- Is machinery adequately guarded?
- Are there factors that could cause ergonomic injuries, like heavy lifting, excessive reaching and twisting, or awkward postures?
- What about environmental factors, like hot or cold temperatures, or inadequate lighting or ventilation?
- Are floors clean and dry and the workplace kept clean to prevent falls?
- What about the noise level? Is it loud enough to cause hearing loss?
- Have there been any changes in methods, materials, or equipment for which there has not been new training?
- Are workers really following all the safety rules?
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The next step is to analyze what can be done to reduce or eliminate hazards. Answer these questions:
- Can we do a risky part of the operation in a safer way?
- Can a safer material be used? If not, would better PPE or additional training reduce the risk?
- Could safer machinery be used? What about better guarding?
- What about ergonomic risk factors? Often, simple changes like putting materials at waist height can reduce injuries.
- Would better lighting make the job safer?
- Does the ventilation system need to be improved?
- Is the work area clean? Practice good housekeeping to reduce risks—get busy cleaning!
- Have you taken all possible engineering and administrative controls to reduce the noise level?
- Is training up to date to match any changes?
- Are you taking risks by ignoring a safety rule or precaution?
- Do you voice concerns? Always ask any questions you have about your job—it’s the safe way.
Once the facts are clear, it’s time to make changes. No one wants accidents or injuries—this is one way to prevent them.
The information in today’s Advisor is adapted from BLR’s 7-Minute Safety Trainer session, “Analyzing Your Job for Hazards.” Could you use more prewritten safety sessions on more than 100 key safety topics? Read on to learn about a resource that may be just what you need.
Effective 7-minute sessions provide comprehensive safety training at an average cost of $1 a day. Get the details.
Effective Safety Training in Just 7 Minutes!
To help train employees of all ages on a broad range of safety and health topics, savvy safety professionals have relied on BLR’s 7-Minute Safety Trainer for years. This essential training resource allows you to provide concise, memorable training easily and effectively in just a few minutes. Materials are ready to use, and each session supplies a detailed trainer’s outline, as well as a handout, quiz, and quiz answers, to get your points across quickly—and cost-effectively.
All told, this “trainer’s bible” contains 50 prewritten meetings covering almost every aspect of safety you would want or need to train on, in a format designed to be taught in as little as 7 minutes each. All of them are perfect for getting new employees off to a safe start, as well as keeping veteran workers alert and up to date on all your safety concerns.
Major topics in the 7-Minute Safety Trainer include:
—Confined spaces
—Electrical safety
—Fire safety and emergency response
—HazCom
—Machine guarding and lockout/tagout
—Material handling
—PPE use and care
—Housekeeping/slips, trips, and falls
—And dozens more
Download Table of Contents
Download Sample Safety Meeting
Just make as many copies as you need of the included handouts and quizzes, and you’re ready to train.
Equally important is that the program ships new meetings every quarter to respond to new and changed regulations. This service is included in the program price, which averages just over $1 a working day. In fact, this is one of BLR’s most popular safety programs.
If you’d like to personally evaluate 7-Minute Safety Trainer and see how it can build safety awareness, we’ll be happy to send it to you for 30 days on a no-cost, no-obligation trial basis. Just let us know and we’ll arrange it.