JHA, AHA & JSA Compliance Checklist: What Auditors Check

A defensible JSA consists of the same-day task and crew (not a standing generic form), documented crew participation and sign-off, PPE itemized per step, safe work practices referenced (lockout/tagout, hot work, confined space entry), site and environmental conditions noted, and emergency response information. The full breakdown for JHA, AHA, and JSA follows below each document type has its own checklist because each serves a different purpose and audience.

A job hazard analysis is the general-purpose document most private-sector employers use. Use this list before submitting or filing one:

•          Task broken into sequential steps: each step of the job listed in the order performed, not bundled into broad phases

•          Hazard identified per step: every step names its specific hazard(s): struck-by, caught-in/between, fall, electrical, chemical, ergonomic

•          Initial risk rating applied: severity × probability scored using a Risk Assessment Code (RAC) or equivalent matrix, before controls

•          Control measures documented: engineering, administrative, and PPE controls listed per hazard, in that order, following the hierarchy of controls

•          Residual risk re-scored: the risk level after controls are applied is shown, not just the initial rating

•          Equipment and tools listed: all tools, machinery, and competent-person requirements named explicitly

•          Required training and certifications noted: confined space entry, fall protection, forklift operator, and similar

•          Applicable standard cited: OSHA 29 CFR 1910/1926, Cal/OSHA, or the relevant jurisdictional code, referenced by section

•          Site-specific, not generic: project name, location, and date included; hazards reflect actual site conditions

•          Signed and dated: reviewed by a competent person or supervisor and acknowledged by the crew before work starts

Common failure point:

JHAs written from a template library without adjusting hazards to actual site conditions are the number one reason documents fail prequalification or audit review.

An activity hazard analysis follows a stricter, federally defined format for USACE and similar federal work:

•          Submitted before mobilization: delivered to and accepted by the Government or prime before the activity starts on site, per EM 385-1-1

•          Activity clearly defined: the specific activity (not the whole project) is named, matching the schedule of work

•          Sequence of work steps: listed in execution order, with the associated hazards for each step

•          Competent or qualified person named: the individual responsible identified by name and qualification

•          Equipment to be used: all equipment listed, with applicable inspection or certification requirements

•          Training requirements specified: site-specific and activity-specific training documented

•          Risk Assessment Code (RAC) shown: both initial and residual RAC displayed per hazard

•          Controls tied to EM 385-1-1 sections: mitigation measures reference the applicable chapter and section number

•          Reviewed and updated: revisited and re-issued if scope, location, or method changes mid-activity

A job safety analysis is typically the fastest of the three to complete and is meant to reflect that specific day's work:

•          Completed same-day, on-site: reflects that day's actual task and crew, not a standing generic form

•          Crew participation documented: all workers performing the task have reviewed and signed

•          PPE requirements itemized: specific PPE listed per step, not a blanket “wear PPE” statement

•          Safe work practices referenced: lockout/tagout, hot work permit, confined space entry, cited where relevant

•          Environmental and site conditions noted: weather, terrain, or nearby active operations that change the risk profile

•          Emergency response info included: nearest first aid, muster point, or emergency contact referenced

•          Supervisor sign-off: reviewed and approved by a supervisor or safety representative before work begins

Know which framework governs your document before you submit. This is a starting reference, not legal advice — always confirm current requirements with the relevant regulator for your project.

Tip:

If you operate across multiple regions, keep one master hazard library and map it to each jurisdiction's citation format rather than rebuilding documents from scratch per country.

Across all three document types, the same few gaps come up repeatedly:

•          Generic hazards copy-pasted across unrelated tasks, with nothing tying them to the actual site or equipment

•          Missing residual risk an initial rating is shown, but nothing after controls are applied

•          No named competent or qualified person, particularly on AHAs where EM 385-1-1 expects one

•          PPE listed as a blanket statement instead of itemized per step

•          No signature or date, which makes the document unusable as evidence of pre-task review

Download Free📥 Download JHA Template - OSHA Cal-OSHA ANSI Compliant.docx