Job Hazard Analysis as a Practical Tool for Process Safety Management: Methodology, Application and Performance Evaluation in High-Risk Industries

Nwaneri Theodore U; Nnadikwe Johnson; Onwukwu Cajetan N; Iheme Chigozie; Akuchie J. Chukwuma; Ogbennaya Jane Frances Chinwe

Authors

Nwaneri Theodore U Chemical Engineering Department, Imo state University, Owerri
Nnadikwe Johnson Petroleum Engineering Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,(UNIZIK) Awka Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8664-5253
Onwukwu Cajetan N Chemical Engineering Department, Imo state University, Owerri
Iheme Chigozie Chemical Engineering Department, Dr B.U. Nzeribe State Polytechnic, Imo State Nigeria
Akuchie J. Chukwuma Chemical Engineering Department, Dr B.U. Nzeribe State Polytechnic, Imo State Nigeria
Ogbennaya Jane Frances Chinwe Chemical Engineering Department, Dr B.U. Nzeribe State Polytechnic, Imo State Nigeria

Keywords:

Job Hazard Analysis; Process Safety Management; Risk Assessment; HAZOP; High-Risk Industries; Hierarchy of Controls

Abstract

Process Hazard Analysis is central to Process Safety Management, yet system techniques like HAZOP are resource-intensive for task-level risks. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) offers a practical alternative but lacks standardized evaluation. To develop, apply and evaluate a standardized JHA methodology for high-risk industries. A mixed-method study was conducted on 12 high-risk jobs involving 68 workers. A six-step JHA procedure based on OSHA 3071 was applied over 6 months. Performance was measured via risk reduction, JHA quality scores, TRIR and compliance rates. Data were analyzed with SPSS v26. 187 hazards were identified from 94 steps. High-risk hazards reduced by 83.8% after hierarchy-based controls. Mean JHA quality was 17.2/20. TRIR decreased from 4.85 to 1.92 (60.4% reduction, p=0.007). Permit compliance improved from 61% to 94%. Standardized JHA is an effective, low-resource tool for PSM, complementing HAZOP at task level.

References

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2002). Job Hazard Analysis (OSHA 3071, revised). U.S. Department of Labor.