Job Hazard Analysis and Mitigation (JHAM)

JHAM is a process where people plan their work, identify task specific hazards (for both safety and hazards to the environment), assess risks, establish controls, document results, and monitor effectiveness. This process produces specific actions and materials necessary to safely complete a project, task, or work activity.  It also allows us to ensure the environment we work in is sustainable.  This program is SLAC-wide, approved by the Director (for details, please see the approving policy document [pdf]). A JHAM is required for all SLAC employees. (All personnel engaged in work activity at SLAC are required to follow a job hazard mitigation process before work begins. Please reference the Training Needs Assessment Procedure [pdf] for guidance).

Every employee at SLAC will complete a routine JHAM annually.  (In many departments, this happens in conjunction with performance evaluations and SLAC Training Assessments.) If anybody has more than 3 non-routine JHAMS in their file, their job may not have been scoped correctly and should be reviewed.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for answers to the most common questions. 

Examples of Hazard Analysis and Mitigation

In each example, there are three key questions:

1. What needs to get done?
2. What are the risks?
3. How do we do it safely?

Think of these questions while doing your job and filling out your JHAM.

How do we analyze our work?  Look at our tasks, the risks, and think about how to do them safely and in an environmentally sustainable manner.
	Office Workers - Examples People working in offices carry out routine tasks that have hazards associated with them, and there are mitigating actions that can be done to reduce those risks.  Some common ones are: Typing  --> wrist pains --> get an ergonomic evaluation (through Medical), take stretching breaks, take ergonomic training (through ES&H) Filing --> hitting an open file drawer --> close file drawers when finished or even if called temporarily away Carrying things around --> straining the back --> proper lifting techniques, not lifting more than our safety level, putting in service requests for large or heavy items Using supplies --> consuming natural resources --> set printer default to duplex to print double-sided, recycle used resources whenever possible, and purchase recycled content or bio-based products whenever possible Using energy --> carbon footprint --> turn off lights when leaving office, purchase energy star electronic equipment / EPEAT registered computers and monitors, and set power save features on computers.
	Laboratory Researchers - Examples People working in research areas or laboratories are routinely surrounded by hazards that familiarity might make common.  Awareness of these hazards, what risks they entail, and what can be done to prevent accidents is part of that everyday research. Working with chemicals --> chemical burns, inhalation of fumes --> look up the MSDS for any chemicals in the area, know the risks and mitigations, wear the proper protective equipment such as gloves or masks, use ventilation hoods if appropriate, consult with the safety Industrial Hygienist. Working with hazardous materials --> possible spill --> take proper training for working with hazmat, know the procedures for spills.  Maintain proper waste storage and disposal techniques. Working with lasers -- > eye damage, laser burn, cut from sharp parts --> wear approved goggles, and other ppe as appropriate, consult with the Laser Safety Officer with questions.
	Technicians - Examples People working around machinery and using tools on a regular basis know very well the basis for hazard analysis.  Accidents can happen if we are not aware of the potential hazards and how to mitigate the risk factors. Using a screwdriver or hammer --> cut or hurt (slipping) --> wear gloves, apply force away from the body Electrical equipment work --> shock or burn injury, cut from sharp edges --> disconnect live equipment or ensure proper lock and tag, use protective equipment, take Electrical safety training (through ES&H) Climbing on ladders --> fall injury --> inspect ladders before use, use hoists/ropes to get equipment up, wear fall protection (if appropriate), take Fall Prevention training (through ES&H) Outdoor work --> stormwater impacts --> maintain proper housekeeping, protect storm drains from debris and potential spills.