For EHS Specialists ·
What you'll accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have a system for generating complete, regulation-aligned JHAs in under 30 minutes — versus the 2–4 hours it typically takes to write one from scratch. You'll have a reusable prompt template and understand how to review AI-generated JHAs for accuracy before signing off on them.
What you'll need
A good JHA starts with a clear task definition. Before opening ChatGPT, write a one-paragraph description of:
Go to chatgpt.com and start a new conversation. Paste this prompt:
Create a detailed Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for the following task at a [industry] facility:
Task: [describe the specific task]
Environment: [describe the work area]
Equipment used: [list equipment/tools]
Workers involved: [job title/role]
Known hazards: [any hazards you're already aware of]
Format as a table with these columns:
- Job Step (numbered, sequential)
- Potential Hazards (specific, not vague — e.g., "pinch point between belt and roller" not just "machine hazard")
- Severity (High/Medium/Low)
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- Required PPE
Include 8-12 job steps. After the table, list any OSHA standards that apply to this task.
What you should see: A structured table with detailed, specific hazards and controls for each step.
Read through every hazard in the Potential Hazards column. Generic hazards like "fall hazard" or "chemical exposure" are red flags — they're too vague to be actionable. For any generic hazard, ask:
The hazard "fall hazard" in step [X] is too vague. Make it specific to this task — what exactly is the fall mechanism, fall height, and what injury would result?
What you should see: Revised hazards like "Fall from rolling ladder (6 feet) while reaching overhead for parts — risk of head injury, fracture" instead of just "fall hazard."
Review the controls against the OSHA hierarchy of controls:
If the AI jumps straight to PPE without listing engineering controls, prompt it:
Before PPE, what engineering controls could be applied to hazard [X]? PPE should be the last layer, not the first solution.
The AI generates a solid generic JHA, but you need to add:
Edit these directly in the Word or PDF version you create from the AI output.
The best JHA review process involves the people who actually do the task. Print the draft, walk through it with the crew, and ask "did we miss anything?" Workers often catch hazards that aren't obvious from the office. Update the JHA based on their input before issuing the final version.
Confined space entry:
Create a JHA for permit-required confined space entry into a [type of space] at a [industry] facility. The space has [known hazards: atmospheric, engulfment, etc.]. Reference OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 in the applicable standards.
Working at elevation:
Create a JHA for working at elevation [height] on [scaffolding/ladder/aerial lift/roof] at a [industry] facility. Task: [describe what's being done at height]. Reference OSHA fall protection requirements.
Hot work (welding/cutting):
Create a JHA for [welding/cutting/grinding] hot work operations in a [industry] facility near [any nearby hazards — flammables, combustibles]. Include fire watch requirements and reference OSHA 1910.252.
Chemical handling:
Create a JHA for handling [chemical name] at a [industry] facility. Workers will [describe task — pouring, transferring, applying]. Reference the SDS and OSHA 1910.1200 HazCom requirements.