Task Analysis: What you need to know

What is a TA?
A Task Analysis (TA), also known as a JSA or SWMS, breaks complex tasks into a sequence of smaller steps and actions. They are used as a planning tool to ensure all risks and controls are identified and appropriately managed for your job. A Task Analysis should describe how you plan to complete the job safely and proves that you are managing the risk effectively.

When should I use a TA?
A Task Analysis should be used to identify and assess the hazards before each high-risk job to reduce the risk as much as possible.

When carrying out repetitive tasks, it is not necessary to complete a new Task Analysis each time you are doing the task, as long as the prepared Task Analysis is relevant to the work being completed and understood by all persons involved in the work task.

Why should I use a TA?
Completing a Task Analysis helps to ensure all risks and controls are identified in each work step to improve safety and performance. It also ensures that the correct tools, people, and processes are identified prior to the work commencing which minimises the risk of injury, provides a clear understanding to workers, and increases productivity. 

How to complete a TA?
To complete a Task Analysis, carry out the following steps:

• List the hazards relevant to the task 
• Choose the most effective risk controls following the control hierarchy*
• Identify each step in the work task from beginning to end

*Control hierarchy – 

• Elimination involves removing the risk to health and safety from the worksite. It is the most effective risk control and should always be prioritised.
• Minimisation is used when a risk cannot be eliminated. This is done using: substitution, isolation, engineering, administration, and PPE.

Wherever possible eliminate the risk.

• Involve all persons who will complete the work task in the control choices and what is expected of them to ensure the task is completed safely. Ensure they have a sound understanding of the control measures.
• Review the Task Analysis regularly, and obtain feedback from workers to ensure the control measures remain effective.

What’s the benefit of having your Task Analysis available in the HazardCo App?

A simple and easy to repeat approach, where you can:

• Simply complete Task Analysis from any mobile device
• Complete them on-site, in real-time at the touch of a button
• Keep the team informed by emailing your Task Analysis to everyone involved

Manage subbies? You can even digitally collect TA’s from subcontractors without the fuss!

Task Analysis in the app is faster, simpler, and repeatable. 

The Task Analysis template on the App guides you through a step-by-step creation process. It gives you the confidence that the potential hazards have been thought through, and that the appropriate controls have been put in place to avoid harm.

All you need to do is choose the controls relevant to the work you are completing and hit SAVE, easy as that! A HazardCo Task Analysis is created, emailed to you, and saved securely in your App and Hub so you can easily share it with the main contractors who need it. 

The HazardCo Advisory team recommends you create a Task Analysis template in preparation for your upcoming works. This template can then be updated with the specific details for the job you are working on. Preparing a Task Analysis prior to site and adjusting for each job will set you up to quickly communicate it to the team, control the risks and get on the tools. 

When making your Task Analysis template, make sure you identify your hazards and the controls you will put in place. Don’t just tick them all if you don’t intend to do them. Our suggested controls list is not exhaustive, ensure you list your own controls you will put in place if you have extra. 

Finally think about the method you will do to complete the task, and the major and critical steps of the task. Think of steps like communicate, setup, the task itself, or wrap-up. 

This is especially important for apprentices and/or new workers learning the tasks. 

If you need a hand getting started or would like more information, get in touch with the friendly HazardCo team today on 0800 555 339.