#jsatemplate

While there is no ‘legal’ requirement for a JSA to be completed on worksites, it is important to consider your duty of care to workers. Every employer has a duty of care to ensure workers are safe, and provided the appropriate training and information to complete tasks safely.

Work Health and Safety, also referred to as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) , is a legislative framework designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all individuals engaged in work activities. In Australia, WHS is governed by state and territory legislation , with the overarching objective of preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is one of the most important tools we have to keep people safe at work. It helps break down a job into steps, spot the risks involved and figure out how to manage them. But even though JSA templates are used on worksites across Australia, many of them don’t actually do the job they’re meant to do.

So why do most JSA templates fall short? And more importantly, how can you make sure yours doesn’t?

Let’s walk through the most common problems with JSA templates and what you can do to fix them.

One of the biggest issues with many JSA templates is that they try to cover too many tasks with one document. A template designed for general use might not suit specific jobs on site. For example, using the same template for working at heights, digging trenches or operating machinery simply doesn’t work.

If a JSA template isn’t customised to the exact task and location, there’s a good chance it will miss key hazards. This puts workers at risk and fails to meet safety obligations.

A JSA should be easy to read and quick to fill out properly. Unfortunately, many templates are too messy or overly complicated. Some are missing important sections like the PPE needed or who is responsible for each control.

If the layout isn’t clear, people won’t use the form properly. Worse, they might not use it at all.

When the people actually doing the job aren’t involved in the JSA process, the document often misses key details. It’s usually the workers who know the job best. They see the small risks that others might overlook.

If a supervisor fills out the JSA alone or copies one from a past job, chances are it won’t reflect the current conditions or real risks on site.

A common issue with many JSA templates is the way hazards are listed. Writing things like “trip hazard” or “manual handling” is too general. It doesn’t explain what the hazard is, where it is or what could go wrong.

The more detail you provide, the better. If the floor is wet, say so. If someone is lifting heavy pipes, mention the weight and the awkward position. Clear information leads to better safety controls.

Workplace injuries can happen suddenly and they often leave workers feeling uncertain about what steps to take next. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, retail, or any other sector, knowing the correct actions to take after an injury is vital for your health, safety and legal rights.

JSA and SWMS in the Workplace: A Guide for Supervisors

In high-risk industries like construction, electrical, and manufacturing, ensuring workplace safety isn't just a regulatory checkbox—it's a moral and operational responsibility. As a supervisor, you're at the frontline of this mission. Your leadership sets the tone for how safety is understood and prioritised on-site.

In high-risk industries like construction, electrical, and manufacturing, ensuring workplace safety isn’t just a regulatory checkbox-it’s a moral and operational responsibility. As a supervisor, you’re at the frontline of this mission. Your leadership sets the tone for how safety is understood and prioritised on-site.

Two of the most critical tools at your disposal are the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). These documents are more than just forms to be filled out; they are frameworks that help identify, assess, and control risks before accidents can happen. Understanding how they work and when to use them is essential to creating a safe and legally compliant work environment.

The Role of a JSA in Everyday Work

Let’s start with the Job Safety Analysis. A JSA is a proactive approach to managing hazards on the job. It breaks down a specific task into individual steps and then evaluates the potential hazards associated with each of those steps. For every identified hazard, the JSA provides control measures that reduce or eliminate the risk.

Think of it as a conversation starter about safety. Before a task begins, the JSA allows the team to think critically about what could go wrong and how they can work together to prevent it. This not only makes the job safer but also boosts awareness and preparedness among workers.

JSAs are especially helpful in dynamic work environments-like maintenance, site repair, or smaller construction jobs-where tasks change frequently. Even though they’re not legally required, they’re widely recognised as a best-practice tool and are often encouraged by regulators and industry bodies.

For supervisors, the key is consistency. Using a standard JSA template can help you capture all necessary information while making it easier to communicate expectations across the team.

When an SWMS is Required-and Why It’s Non-Negotiable

In contrast to the JSA, the Safe Work Method Statement is a legally mandated document under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. It’s required for any high-risk construction work and must outline not just the activity, but also the specific hazards, risk levels, and the control measures to be implemented.

Let’s say your crew is working at heights, using powered mobile equipment, or performing tasks near live electrical wires-these are precisely the kinds of situations that demand an SWMS. Unlike the more informal and flexible JSA, an SWMS is a structured document that must be tailored to the project and jobsite. It must be kept on-site, reviewed regularly, and updated whenever conditions change.

One important thing for supervisors to understand is that there are different types of SWMS tailored to specific activities. For instance, a Construction SWMS might cover excavation or scaffolding, while an Electrical SWMS would focus on isolating power sources, ensuring lockout/tagout procedures, and verifying equipment safety.

Properly preparing an SWMS isn’t just about ticking off requirements-it’s about making sure your team understands the hazards and the exact steps to avoid them. This is especially critical in industries where the margin for error is incredibly small.

In high-risk industries like construction, electrical, and manufacturing, ensuring workplace safety isn't just a regulatory checkbox—it's a moral and operational responsibility. As a supervisor, you're at the frontline of this mission. Your leadership sets the tone for how safety is understood and prioritised on-site.

The Job Safety Analysis Template breaks the tasks down into logical job steps, lists the typical hazards associated with each of these job steps, and describes the control measures implemented to eliminate or control the risk for the workers safety.

The Builder Assist JSA Template is the most up to date building industry JSA template and complies with the Work Health and Safety Regulations and Practices.