0. Recommended Reading Before Diving into JSA

To understand the “big picture” behind JSA, you should review the following foundational articles:

• The four core responsibilities of project management – INDUSVINA’s viewpoint
• Learning project management from zero – For fresh graduates
• Project management – Four pillars of successful delivery
• Summary of Vietnam Construction Law 2014 (amended 2020)
• Safety 1/4 – Platform collapse due to load “estimation”
• Safety 3/4 – Safety pillars for Project Managers
• Safety 2/4 – How to apply a Risk Matrix

1. What Is JSA and Why Is It Pillar No.1?

Across all projects—from steel structure factories to logistics warehouses and heavy industrial plants—accidents usually happen not because we “lack procedures”, but because we fail to see or underestimate risks before doing the work.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a systematic method of analyzing each specific task, focusing on three core points:

• Break the task into smaller, manageable steps.
• Identify potential hazards in each step.
• Define control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level before work is permitted.

2. When Is a JSA Required?

To prevent safety from becoming “formality”, INDUSVINA should clearly define when JSA is mandatory:

• Mandatory JSA before all high-risk activities:
  • Working at height (≥ 2 m); platforms, scaffolds, roofs.
  • Crane operations, lifting equipment, boom lifts.
  • Excavation, deep holes, shoring, formwork.
  • Working near live electrical lines or rotating equipment.
  • Confined space entry (tanks, pits, basins).
• New, complex tasks without established procedures.
• Tasks involving major changes in layout, equipment, method, or subcontractor involvement.
• After any accident, incident, or near-miss involving the same task.

3. The 8-Step JSA Process for Any Task

3.1. Step 1 – Select the Task

Not every task requires a fully detailed JSA. Prioritize tasks that:

• Have a history of accidents or near-misses.
• Are rated high-risk based on the Risk Matrix.
• Are new, complex, or involve multiple teams and subcontractors.
• Are repetitive with large volumes (can be standardized later).

3.2. Step 2 – Gather Information & Documentation

Before writing a JSA, gather the necessary “data”:

• Design drawings, method statements, and scheduling information.
• INDUSVINA safety, quality, and schedule procedures.
• Legal requirements: ATVSLĐ law, QCVN 18:2021/BXD, ISO 45001.
• Accident/near-miss reports on similar tasks.
• Input from experienced workers—those closest to the actual hazards.

3.3. Step 3 – Break the Task Into Steps

Principles:

• Not too broad (e.g., “Install scaffold” is too general).
• Not too detailed (no step-by-step micro movements).

Example Task: Erect a 6 m frame scaffold inside a factory.

Possible division into 6–8 steps:

• Receive and check work area/floor condition.
• Transport scaffold materials to location.
• Assemble the first scaffold level.
• Install subsequent levels to design height.
• Install working platforms, guardrails, ladders.
• Conduct overall inspection, tagging “INSPECTED”.

3.4. Step 4 – Identify Hazards for Each Step

Ask for every step:

• What could go wrong?
• Could anything fall, collapse, strike, pinch, cut, entangle, shock, slip, trip, suffocate, explode?

Recommended hazard categories for the JSA form:

• Working at height / falling objects
• Collapse of temporary structures (scaffolds, shoring, formwork)
• Mechanical hazards: pinch points, impact, flying objects
• Electrical hazards
• Environmental: wind, rain, slippery floors, poor lighting, heat stress
• Chemicals / dust / noise / vibration
• Ergonomic hazards: heavy lifting, awkward positions
• Behavioral / organizational: lack of training, fatigue, rushing, overtime

3.5. Step 5 – Assess the Risk (Using Company Risk Matrix)

Each hazard is evaluated based on likelihood and severity, resulting in a “Pre-Control Risk Rating”: Low / Medium / High / Extreme.

3.6. Step 6 – Define Control Measures (Using the Control Hierarchy)

Always follow the priority hierarchy:

1. Elimination – remove the hazard entirely.
2. Substitution – replace with less hazardous method/equipment.
3. Engineering Controls – guardrails, safety nets, barriers, interlocks.
4. Administrative Controls – procedures, zoning, rotation, signage.
5. PPE – helmets, shoes, gloves, safety harness, goggles.

In the JSA form, clearly separate:

• Engineering controls
• Administrative/procedural controls
• PPE requirements

3.7. Step 7 – Approval & Communication

• Approval: Preparer (Engineer/HSE) → Reviewer (HSE/PM) → Approver (PM/Site Manager)
• Communication: Use JSA as the core document for toolbox meetings
• Worker confirmation: All workers sign after understanding controls
• PTW integration: PTW must refer to the relevant JSA number

3.8. Step 8 – Storage, Review & Continuous Improvement

• Store JSA in project safety records (digital + printed if required).
• Review JSA whenever work conditions, design, method, or equipment change.
• Update JSA after any accident or near-miss.
• Feed lessons learned into future JSA versions, connecting to Pillar 5 (Incident Investigation & Improvement).

4. Example (Short Version): JSA for Erecting 6 m Frame Scaffold

General information (summary):

• Project: XYZ Factory.
• Work: Erection of frame scaffold for roof installation.
• Location: Grid 1–10 / A–F.
• Prepared by: Site Engineer; Reviewed by: HSE; Approved by: PM/Site Manager.

You can extend remaining steps using the JSA table template in section 5 below.

5. Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Template – English Version

Below is the JSA template, converted into English. INDUSVINA may add logo, document code, and version number for unified use across projects.

5.1. General Information

5.2. Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

5.3. Illustration: Standard PPE

5.4. Job Breakdown Table

5.5. Signatures & Commitment

Workers confirm that they have been instructed, fully understand the hazards and control measures in the JSA, and acknowledge that deviating from the described steps may create unassessed hazards. Workers also have the right to stop work if they identify any unsafe condition.

6. Recommendations for Implementing JSA within INDUSVINA

• Issue a list of tasks requiring JSA (with document code & responsibility matrix).
• Conduct internal training using real examples from INDUSVINA projects.
• Standardize templates (section 5), adding logo, code, version, and language options.
• Make JSA mandatory before issuing PTW for hazardous activities.
• Develop Safety KPIs: number of JSAs/month; % high-risk tasks with JSA; updated JSAs after near-miss, etc.

6.1. Safety KPIs Based on SMART Principles

To ensure JSA becomes a “living document”, KPIs should follow the SMART approach:

• S – Specific: Clear and unambiguous.
• M – Measurable: Quantified by numbers or percentages.
• A – Achievable: Feasible with existing capacity.
• R – Relevant: Directly linked to safety objectives.
• T – Time-bound: With clear deadlines.

Example KPI: “100% of high-risk tasks must have an approved JSA before execution, verified weekly by HSE.”

7. Recommended Articles

To elevate safety beyond slogans, combine this article with:

• Core responsibilities of project management
• Project management from zero
• Four pillars of project success
• Vietnam Construction Law summary
• Safety 1/4 – Platform collapse
• Safety 3/4 – PM safety pillars
• Safety 2/4 – Risk Matrix guide