Greetings and salutations! I hope you are ready for another fun-filled installment of Safety. This month we are going to shower down on everyone’s favorite topic, which is the in and outs of JSA’s, also known as Job Hazard Analysis. In fact, there are numerous different names, forms, and processes depending on the company, the customer, and the complexity of desired results. However, if truth be told, the JHA report probably ranks among the most pencil-whipped documents in the oil industry. None of my peers in the safety profession like to admit this. Once again, I like to focus on the real world of how it is. I do know there are some strong companies in safety that do it correctly, but they are the exception, not the rule.
A Job Safety Analysis is a process with numerous different names and sometimes it even has multiple processes, depending on desired results. A Job Safety Analysis is a safety tool that can be used to define and control hazards, processes, jobs, or procedures. It is a systematic examination and documentation of every task within each job to identify health and safety hazards as well as the steps to control each task with all of those involved in the process. That is the definition adopted by most entities.
Now let us take a look at the definition from a layman’s point of view. As it was first explained to me, the JSA is a meeting that is held prior to working on any task that may have hazards known or unknown to all involved in the process that may or may not be familiar with the whole process. Back in the day, prior to OSHA years, the driller on location was actually the safety lead. However, the good drillers would gather their crews and would lay out the proceedings of the day. If there were any extenuating circumstances or hazards that had arisen, he would communicate the issue and how to handle and address the issue. He would then ask if there were any questions, he would answer any questions, and he would give the procedure of how he wanted it done. He would also add that if there was variation or deviation, then shut operations down until there was a plan in place before proceeding. Today that is known as stop work.
Did this always happen? Unequivocally NO, it did not, hence OSHA. Any time you start any project or task, it is natural to develop a game plan. Experience will dictate what traps or issues come up. So, before work commences, a game plan is discussed. Things to watch out for, based on experiences, are discussed. Then work commences. The problem is that smart and ethical people will always do what is right and will cover all hazards and concerns, and the job goes seamlessly. However, when something goes wrong, accident investigators want to know: Were the hazards discussed, mitigated, covered with all pertinent personnel? A normal response, often a lie, was yes, the hazards were communicated verbally, there was a plan in place, and all personnel were informed. When asked if they had any proof, the answer was usually “we covered it verbally.” Then came the JSA forms. That way, prior to any job being performed, there would be issued a form or document that shows hazards, mitigation procedures, action plan, and communication by work group, so every person was singing out of the same hymn book.
This brings us to the latest issues about the JSA’s. Because the regulations require us to document the JSA’s, they are usually pencil whipped. I have seen where one person fills them all out, sometimes correctly, then signs everyone’s name to it. Initially they may use different pens or colors of ink, etc., or change styles on the way they sign, or make it where the names are not legible. Regardless, it is a pencil whipped and worthless document, often it is discovered as such, right after an accident has transpired.
So, let us land this plane.
The bottom line is that until a legitimate JSA is done, following certain steps, to ensure safety, it is an exercise in futility. I would rather have a crew that covers the course and scope of work for the day in detail, covering all known hazards, and communicate it thoroughly, verbally, than have a crew documenting a lie by making the process a joke.
A JSA is a detailed game plan. You would find the same formula in a board room. You would discuss an “up and coming” game plan. You would define how you are going to accomplish it. You would discuss who is in charge and the different roles of the team members. You would set timelines. You would discuss traps and pitfalls. Every person should know exactly what their job is. You would provide the correct tools to be successful. You would define exactly when the task is adequately accomplished.
There is so much more information on how to develop JSA’s to satisfy the needs of your company and your customers. Length of the JSA form does not ensure quality. Get with your safety officer and ask if the JSA’s adequately cover your needs. The information on the JSA’s can save lives when properly utilized.
As usual, be safe during these trying times. One thing for certain about the Permian Basin oil and gas industry: we are resilient. Be safe and God bless America.
Dusty Roach is a safety professional based in Midland. He is also a public speaker on subjects of leadership and safety, and he maintains a personal website at dustyroach.com.