In the context of JSA, what is the primary purpose described?

• A. Hazards associated with each step
• B. Time required for each step
• C. Equipment maintenance schedule
• D. Personnel involved per step

Answer: (A)

The main idea behind a Job Safety Analysis is to identify hazards associated with each step of a task and determine controls to prevent injuries. By breaking the job down and examining each step, you can spot what could go wrong and plan measures—like engineering controls, safe work procedures, or PPE—to reduce risk before work starts. This focus on steps and their hazards is what drives safer execution, rather than looking at how long each step takes, when equipment should be serviced, or who is assigned to a step.

For example, in a lifting task, the analysis would pinpoint risks such as back strain or pinch points at specific moments, and then specify controls like using a mechanical aid, enlisting a second worker, or wearing appropriate protective gear. The other options—time per step, maintenance schedules, and personnel per step—are planning considerations but not the primary aim of a JSA.