This material is for training purposes only to inform the reader of occupational safety and health best practices and general compliance requirements and is not a substitute for provisions of the OSH Act of 1970 or any governmental regulatory agency.
MODULE 5: WRITE THE SAFE JOB PROCEDURE (SJP)
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Introduction
The safe job procedure is the final result or product of the JHA process. The safe job procedure is an excellent document to use as a training lesson plan. In fact, you might include the safe job procedures you've developed as part of the safety training plan. If the safe job procedure is poorly written and hard to understand (doesn't pass the "dummy test"), the JHA may not be effective as an on-the-job training tool. It's important to write a clear, concise, and concrete safe job procedure. So, let's take a look at some of the best strategies in writing safe job procedures. |
Points to remember when writing the safe job procedure
- Write in a step-by-step format. Usually, this means writing a number of paragraphs. Each paragraph should attempt to :
- Describe the step. Remember each step is describes one action. For example, you might say, "Grasp the breaker switch and move it from the on to the off position (down)."
- Point out the hazard. If a step includes exposure to a hazard, there are four parts to the step:
- describe the action
- identify the hazard
- describe the possible injury the hazard could cause
- identify the safety precaution to prevent the injury
For instance, you would continue the warning by saying, "Grasp the breaker switch and move it from the on to the off position (down). To prevent a possible serious burn injury if an arc flash occurs, be sure you turn your head and look away as you flip the breaker switch."
- Paint a word picture - concrete vs. abstract. The idea is to write the procedure in such a way that someone who is not familiar with the task can actually "see" each step occur. When writing safe job procedures, we tend to write in a technical style because it seems to be more "efficient." However, if you are going to use the safe job procedure as a lesson plan for conducting safety training, it's probably a good idea to write in a more interesting conversational style.
- Write in the second person. For example, say "Be sure you...". Try to avoid writing in the third person such as, "Be sure the worker...". In most steps you won't have to worry about this because the person you are writing to is implied.
- Write in the present tense. Say "take" rather than "should be taken." This helps to create the word picture and streamline the safe job procedure.
- Write as clearly as possible. Say "use" rather than "utilize." Replacing more complex words with simple words helps to make sure your employees comprehend the material.
- If you use acronyms or jargon, may sure the meaning of the acronym is spelled out when first used. Make sure jargon is explained on first use.
- Remind the worker why it is important to do the step safely. Unfortunately, OR-OSHA rules don't emphasize this important part of the training. Nevertheless, you should always discuss the natural and system consequences of the employee's personal behavior. Remember, there is no successful safety management system without effective accountability.
- Include notes, cautions, warnings. Tell the employee about the dangers and safety precautions to reduce the dangers in each step. Doing this also helps to emphasize the costs (injury, illness) and benefits (health) of using safety precautions.
- Keep sentences short. Grammar checker software can help you do this. usually, a sentence of 7-15 words is adequate.
Sample JHA Worksheet
Job Description: Loading an empty trailer with pallets of product
Basic Job Step |
Hazards - Possible Injuries |
Preventive Measures |
| 1. Ensure that trailer is correctly spotted. | Worker could be caught between backing trailer and dock Worker could fall from the dock. | Stay clear of the doorway while the trailer is being backed onto the dock. Keep others away from the area.
Remove awareness chain or bar from the front of the dock door once the trailer is properly spotted. |
| 2. Chock wheels; place jacks under trailer nose. | Worker could fall on stairs going to dock well.
Head could be struck against trailer. Worker could slip on ice or snow. |
If the truck driver has not chocked the wheels, go down tile ramp/stairs to the dock well and chock the wheels.
Use caution when walking on snow or ice. Hold onto hand rails; use ice-melt chemical if needed. When placing the chock, avoid bumping the head on the underside of the trailer. Place jacks under the nose of the trailer. If the dock is equipped with an automatic trailer restraint, push the button to activate the device. |
Safe Job Procedure |
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| Step 1: Make sure the trailer is correctly spotted. It's important to follow these procedures so you don't get caught between the backing trailer and dock or fall from the dock. Be sure you stay clear of the doorway while the trailer is being backed onto the dock. Keep others away from the area. Remove the awareness chain or bar from the front of the dock door once the trailer is properly spotted.
Step 2: Chock the wheels. If the truck driver has not chocked the wheels, go down the tile ramp/stairs to the dock well and chock the wheels. Be careful when walking on snow or ice so that you don't slip or fall. Hold onto hand rails and use ice-melt chemical if it's needed. When you place the chock, be careful you don't bump your head on the underside of the trailer. Place the jacks under the nose of the trailer. If the dock is equipped with an automatic trailer restraint, push the button to activate the device. |
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