COSS Job Safety Analysis (JSA) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the difference between a JSA and a standard operating procedure (SOP)?
- A JSA focuses on identifying hazards and controls, while an SOP focuses on correct procedural steps (Correct answer)
- A JSA is required by OSHA while an SOP is voluntary
- A JSA is written by management while an SOP is written by workers
- A JSA applies only to construction while an SOP applies to general industry
Correct answer: A JSA focuses on identifying hazards and controls, while an SOP focuses on correct procedural steps
A JSA is a hazard-identification and control document, whereas an SOP describes the correct method to perform a task regardless of hazard analysis.
Question 2: During a JSA observation, a safety professional notices a worker using an undocumented shortcut. What is the correct action?
- Document the shortcut as a job step and evaluate its associated hazards (Correct answer)
- Immediately stop the observation and discipline the worker
- Discard the current JSA and start over
- Ignore it since the shortcut is not part of the official procedure
Correct answer: Document the shortcut as a job step and evaluate its associated hazards
Real work practices, including shortcuts, represent actual hazard exposure and must be documented in the JSA to ensure accurate hazard identification.
Question 3: Which type of hazard is MOST likely to be overlooked if a JSA is conducted only by reviewing written procedures rather than direct observation?
- Behavioral and ergonomic hazards from actual work practices (Correct answer)
- Chemical hazards listed on Safety Data Sheets
- Electrical hazards documented in maintenance records
- Fall hazards identified in facility inspection reports
Correct answer: Behavioral and ergonomic hazards from actual work practices
Behavioral and ergonomic hazards arising from real worker movements and habits are invisible in written procedures but apparent during direct observation.
Question 4: In JSA terminology, what is an 'unsafe act'?
- A human behavior that deviates from a safe procedure and increases risk of injury (Correct answer)
- A condition in the environment that increases risk of injury
- Any OSHA recordable incident involving human error
- A tool or equipment defect that could cause injury
Correct answer: A human behavior that deviates from a safe procedure and increases risk of injury
An unsafe act is a human behavior—such as bypassing a guard—that deviates from accepted safe practice and elevates injury risk.
Question 5: A JSA for a confined space entry would MOST importantly address which hazard category?
- Atmospheric hazards including oxygen deficiency and toxic gases (Correct answer)
- Repetitive motion and ergonomic strain
- Electrical hazards from overhead power lines
- Slip hazards from wet walking surfaces
Correct answer: Atmospheric hazards including oxygen deficiency and toxic gases
Atmospheric hazards are the leading cause of confined space fatalities and must be the primary focus of a confined space entry JSA.
Question 6: Which statement about JSA training is most accurate?
- Workers should be trained on the JSA before performing the job for the first time (Correct answer)
- JSA training is only required after an incident occurs
- Training on JSA findings is the supervisor's responsibility, not the worker's
- OSHA mandates a specific JSA training frequency for all industries
Correct answer: Workers should be trained on the JSA before performing the job for the first time
Workers must understand the hazards and controls identified in the JSA before starting the job to prevent initial incidents.
Question 7: When a new piece of equipment is introduced to a workplace, which action is MOST appropriate regarding existing JSAs?
- Review and update all JSAs that involve tasks using the new equipment (Correct answer)
- Create a separate JSA exclusively for the new equipment and leave existing ones unchanged
- Wait six months to update JSAs until workers are fully trained on the equipment
- Update only the JSA for the job with the highest historical incident rate
Correct answer: Review and update all JSAs that involve tasks using the new equipment
New equipment can change hazard profiles for multiple jobs, so all affected JSAs must be reviewed and updated to reflect new risks and controls.
COSS Job Safety Analysis (JSA) 3
Which of the following BEST describes the difference between a JSA and a standard operating procedure (SOP)?