Free inspection template
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Break a job into sequential steps, identify every hazard in each step, and document the controls before work begins. Finish on your phone and get a signed, branded PDF the supervisor can file and the crew can reference.
Overview
What is a Job Hazard Analysis?
A Job Hazard Analysis (also called a Job Safety Analysis or JSA) is a systematic technique for identifying hazards in each step of a task before the work begins. OSHA's JHA methodology, outlined in OSHA Publication 3071, asks three questions for every basic step: what is the step, what hazards are present, and what controls will prevent harm. Done correctly, a JHA produces a document that trained workers can review before the task, that supervisors can use to verify hazard controls are in place, and that safety managers can keep on file as evidence of a proactive hazard management program.
This template covers up to six job steps with conditional LOTO, fall protection, confined-space, and chemical-hazard sections that appear only when applicable. A PPE section captures what protection the job requires. A Training & Authorization section documents who is cleared to do the work. The template closes with dual signature blocks (worker representative and supervisor) so the completed PDF functions as an authorizing record, not just a planning tool.
The checklist
Every checkpoint, in full
A read-only preview of the live template. Clone it to run the inspection on mobile, where each item records Pass, Fail or N·A with optional photos and notes.
Job Information
11 checksNOTENote on Usage
This template is based on OSHA 3071 Job Hazard Analysis methodology. Using this tool does not guarantee OSHA compliance; the employer remains responsible for identifying and mitigating all site-specific hazards.
Job / task name
Concrete and specific. "Change 50-gal degreaser drum on parts washer" — not "Maintenance".
Location / area
Job typically performed by (role / position)
Frequency
JHA prepared by (name + role)
Date prepared
Reviewing an existing JHA (vs. creating a new one)?
Energized equipment, machinery, or stored energy involved (lockout/tagout)?
Includes electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational, chemical, thermal energy.
Work at heights ≥4 ft (general industry) or ≥6 ft (construction)?
Permit-required confined space entry involved?
Limited entry/exit + hazardous atmosphere, engulfment risk, internal trap, or other recognized serious hazard. When in doubt, err on the side of Yes.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals (above OSHA PEL or with SDS hazard warnings)?
Required PPE
10 checksHead protection (hard hat) required?
Eye protection (safety glasses / face shield) required?
Hearing protection (≥85 dBA exposure) required?
Respiratory protection required?
If Yes, ensure employees are in the company respiratory protection program (medical clearance, fit test, training).
Hand protection (cut-resistant, chemical, electrical, thermal)?
Foot protection (steel toe, slip-resistant, dielectric)?
Body protection (high-vis, FR clothing, chemical apron)?
Fall arrest harness + lanyard required?
Other PPE or specific requirements (glove material, respirator cartridge type, etc.)
All required PPE is supplied by the employer and available at the worksite?
Step 1
4 checksStep 1 — describe the basic step
Step 1 — hazards identified
Think pinch points, strikes, falls, exposures, ergonomic strain. List every potential hazard, even if mitigated.
Step 1 — controls (engineering, administrative, PPE)
Prefer elimination > engineering > administrative > PPE. State the actual control, not the goal.
All Step 1 hazards have at least one control assigned?
Step 2
5 checksStep 2 — describe the basic step
Step 2 — hazards identified
Step 2 — controls
All Step 2 hazards have at least one control assigned?
Is there a Step 3 in this job?
Step 3
5 checksStep 3 — describe the basic step
Step 3 — hazards identified
Step 3 — controls
All Step 3 hazards have at least one control assigned?
Is there a Step 4 in this job?
Step 4
5 checksStep 4 — describe the basic step
Step 4 — hazards identified
Step 4 — controls
All Step 4 hazards have at least one control assigned?
Is there a Step 5 in this job?
Step 5
5 checksStep 5 — describe the basic step
Step 5 — hazards identified
Step 5 — controls
All Step 5 hazards have at least one control assigned?
Is there a Step 6 in this job?
Step 6
5 checksStep 6 — describe the basic step
Step 6 — hazards identified
Step 6 — controls
All Step 6 hazards have at least one control assigned?
Additional steps beyond 6 (rare — describe each as: step / hazards / controls)
Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)
5 checksEnergy sources to be isolated (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, gravitational)
Energy-isolating devices to be used (breaker, valve, plug, blocking device)
Energy-isolation procedure documented and worker authorized to perform LOTO?
Stored / residual energy dissipation steps identified (capacitors, springs, suspended loads)?
Verification step (try-to-start, voltage test) included before work begins?
Fall Protection
4 checksPrimary fall protection method
Anchor point(s) identified and rated (≥5,000 lb per worker, or engineered system)
Rescue plan in place for a fallen worker (suspension trauma prevention)?
Calling 911 is not a rescue plan — there must be a documented self-rescue or assisted-rescue procedure within 15 minutes.
Workers trained on the specific fall protection system in use here?
Permit-Required Confined Space
5 checksSpace identification (location, type, hazards present)
Entry permit will be completed before each entry?
Atmospheric testing planned (oxygen, flammables, toxics) before and during entry?
Ventilation and/or respiratory protection provisions defined?
Attendant (hole watch) assigned + rescue plan + retrieval equipment defined?
Chemical Hazards
4 checksChemicals involved (product name, manufacturer, primary hazard class)
SDS for each chemical on file and accessible to workers?
Ventilation, respiratory protection, and skin/eye protection adequate for exposure?
Spill response procedure + emergency eyewash/shower within reach?
Training & Authorization
3 checksTraining required before performing this job (specific topics, duration, refresher cadence)
All currently-authorized workers have completed required training?
Authorization roster on file and reviewed in the past 12 months?
Sign-off
4 checksWorker representative review (typed name)
Preparer signature (typed full name)
Supervisor / reviewer signature (typed full name)
Next review due date
Annual review at minimum; sooner if process or equipment changes.
Yours to edit
Every job and every site is different.
Clone the template and open it in the builder. Add steps for the specific tasks on your site, turn on the LOTO or confined-space sections for applicable jobs, and adjust the PPE checklist to match your hazard profile. No code required.
Field procedure
How to run this inspection
Complete the JHA before the work begins, ideally with the workers who will perform the task. A JHA done after the fact is documentation, not hazard control.
STEP 01
Describe the job
Name the specific task ("Change 50-gal degreaser drum on parts washer," not "Maintenance"). Record the location, the role that normally performs the work, how often it is done, and who is preparing this JHA. Answer the hazard-class gates: does the job involve energized equipment, work at heights, confined-space entry, or hazardous chemicals?
STEP 02
Identify required PPE
Check every PPE category that applies: head, eye, hearing, respiratory, hand, foot, body, and fall arrest. Note any specific requirements such as glove material or respirator cartridge type. Confirm that all required PPE is employer-supplied and available at the worksite before the task begins.
STEP 03
Break the job into steps
List each basic step as a single observable action. For each step: describe the action, list every hazard present (think pinch points, strikes, falls, exposures, ergonomic strain), and specify the controls that address each hazard, preferring elimination and engineering controls over administrative controls and PPE.
STEP 04
Complete conditional hazard sections
If the job involves energized equipment, complete the LOTO section: list energy sources, isolation devices, and verify the energy-control procedure and zero-energy test. If work is at heights, specify the fall protection method and anchor points. If confined-space entry applies, confirm permits, atmospheric testing, and rescue provisions.
STEP 05
Document training and sign off
Record the training required before performing this job. Confirm that all authorized workers have completed it and that the authorization roster is current. Get a worker representative review and both the preparer and supervisor signatures. Set the next review date: at minimum annual, sooner if the process or equipment changes.
FAQ
Common questions
Is this JHA template free?+
What is the difference between a JHA and a JSA?+
When is a JHA required by OSHA?+
Can I use this for both construction and general industry?+
Does this work offline on a job site?+
How should we store completed JHAs?+
Complete your next JHA from your phone
Walk through the job with your crew, fill in each step's hazards and controls, and sign off on the spot. You'll have a branded PDF ready to file before the first tool hits the ground.