The importance of hazard analysis in workplace safety cannot be overstated. Organisations focused on instilling safety for the well-being of employees enhance their brand’s image and create sustainable business success.
This comprehensive guide for 2026 covers what is a hazard analysis, different types of hazard analysis including job hazard analysis (JHA) and process hazard analysis (PHA), how to conduct a hazard analysis step by step, understanding hazard labels and hazard logos, and best practices for implementation.
What Is a Hazard Analysis?
A hazard analysis is the systematic process of identifying things in a workplace that could cause harm, judging how serious and likely each one is, and implementing controls to remove or reduce the risk. It is how an organisation finds dangers before they cause incidents, rather than after.
In practice, a hazard analysis examines physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards specific to an industry. A biochemistry laboratory faces chemical hazards including toxic fumes and reactions. A manufacturing facility faces machinery and electrical hazards. A construction site faces fall hazards and equipment dangers. Each requires a tailored hazard analysis approach.
Types of Hazard Analysis: Job Hazard Analysis vs. Process Hazard Analysis
What Is a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
A job hazard analysis (JHA) is a systematic method of identifying hazards associated with specific tasks or jobs within a workplace. The job hazard analysis breaks down individual tasks step by step to identify potential hazards at each stage and determines the controls needed to mitigate those hazards.
The job hazard analysis (JHA) process involves:
- Selecting a specific job or task to analyze
- Breaking the job into individual steps
- Identifying potential hazards at each step
- Determining risk level (likelihood and severity)
- Implementing control measures (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE)
- Communicating hazards and controls to workers through training
What Is a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)?
A process hazard analysis (PHA) is a comprehensive method used in chemical processing, manufacturing, and complex operational systems. The process hazard analysis examines all aspects including equipment, operating procedures, materials, and component interactions to identify hazards that could lead to incidents.
A process hazard analysis is typically more detailed than a job hazard analysis and involves:
- Examining the entire process from start to finish
- Identifying hazards related to equipment, chemicals, temperature, and pressure
- Evaluating consequences of failures or deviations
- Assessing existing safeguards and controls
- Recommending improvements and additional controls
How to Conduct a Hazard Analysis: Step-by-Step Guide
What Is the First Step in a Hazard Analysis?
The first step in hazard analysis is to identify and select the job or process to be analyzed, based on:
- Frequency of the task
- Severity of potential harm
- History of incidents or near-misses
- Regulatory requirements
Step 2: Identify Immediate Dangers and Hazards
Systematically identify potential risks through:
- Direct observation of work being performed
- Interviews with workers who perform the task
- Review of incident reports and near-miss data
- Inspection of work areas and equipment
- Review of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals
Step 3: Evaluate and Prioritize Hazards
Based on consequences and likelihood, rank hazards accordingly. Address severity and probability together:
- Severity: What is the worst potential outcome?
- Likelihood: How probable is this hazard to occur?
- Exposure: How many workers are exposed?
Step 4: Develop Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)
Elimination (most effective) – Remove the hazard entirely
Substitution – Replace with a safer alternative
Engineering Controls – Machine guards, ventilation systems, interlocks
Administrative Controls – Job rotation, work schedules, training, procedures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Last line of defense when other controls not feasible
Understanding Hazard Labels and Hazard Logos (COSHH)
What Are Hazard Labels and Hazard Logos?
Hazard labels and hazard logos (hazard pictograms) are standard visual indicators communicating the type and severity of hazards associated with a substance or process. Recognising these hazard labels is a critical first line of defence in hazard analysis.
In the UK, hazardous substances carry standardised hazard labels and pictograms under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations. Common hazard logo categories include:
- Explosive – red and white border, exploding bomb
- Flammable – red and white flame
- Oxidising – red and white circle with flame
- Toxic – red and white skull and crossbones
- Health Hazard – exclamation mark or health warning
- Environmental Hazard – dead fish and tree symbol
- Corrosive – hand and material corroding
- Compressed Gas – gas cylinder
When conducting a hazard analysis, hazard labels and hazard logos should be checked on all containers, cross-referenced with Safety Data Sheets, and used to determine appropriate control measures and worker communication.
Who Is Responsible for Conducting a Hazard Analysis?
The employer is legally responsible for conducting hazard analysis. However, the work typically involves:
- Health and Safety professionals or managers (lead the process)
- Supervisors and workers (provide first-hand insight)
- Safety committees (review and approve findings)
- External safety consultants (when specialized expertise is needed)
What Is the Purpose of a Hazard Analysis?
- Identify hazards before they cause incidents
- Assess risk level of each hazard
- Determine appropriate control measures
- Communicate hazards and controls to workers
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Create a safer, more productive work environment
Frequently Asked Questions on Hazard Analysis
What is a job hazard analysis?
A job hazard analysis (JHA) is a systematic method of identifying hazards for specific tasks by breaking them into steps and identifying hazards at each stage.
What is a process hazard analysis?
A process hazard analysis (PHA) is a comprehensive examination of entire operational processes in manufacturing and chemical processing, including equipment, materials, and procedures.
What is the first step in a hazard analysis?
The first step is to select the specific job or process based on frequency, severity, and history of incidents.
How often must a process hazard analysis be updated?
Process hazard analysis should be reviewed every 3-5 years, or immediately following any significant changes, incidents, or regulatory updates.
What are hazard logos and hazard labels?
Standardised visual indicators on chemical containers communicating the type and severity of hazards (flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc.) under COSHH Regulations.
