Obstacles and solutions to implementing job hazard analysis in construction: A case study

Construction workers experience a disproportionately high rate of work-related injuries. However, if hazards are properly recognized and addressed, most of these incidents are preventable. Job hazard analysis (JHA) is a method for identifying and mitigating workplace hazards that emphasizes proactive risk control. Despite its importance, the construction industry currently lacks comprehensive guidelines on how to effectively design and implement JHA on a consistent basis. To fill this gap, this case study pursued two objectives: (1) to explore challenges and shortcomings of current practices in developing and implementing JHA in construction and (2) to identify effective practices and interventions employed by contractors to address these challenges. To this end, 30 sample JHA documents were analyzed, and 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with construction safety professionals representing 17 companies. Findings of this study identified a lack of worker involvement in the process, lack of buy-in, management absence, complacency, and inadequate coordination and communication as major issues. Solutions explored to address these challenges included incorporating visual aids, rotating JHA meeting leaders, and continuously updating JHA information to reflect the current work conditions. The practical implications of these findings and the path forward for further research are discussed.