Ergonomic Assessment vs. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Ergonomic Assessment

Perspective: Human-centered

Core question: What physical and cognitive demands does this task place on the worker, and how can we reduce musculoskeletal risk?

An ergonomic assessment evaluates:

• Postures (awkward, sustained, extreme)

• Force requirements (lifting, pushing, gripping)

• Repetition and task frequency

• Reach distances and work heights

• Duration, recovery time, and fatigue

• Fit between the worker and the tools/workstation

Primary goal:

Reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk and improve work comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.

Typical outcomes:

• Workstation or task redesign

• Tool and equipment recommendations

• Administrative controls (task rotation, micro-breaks)

• Job demand documentation (often feeds a JDA)

• Data to support RTW and accommodation decisions

Who performs it:

Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialists, PTs, OTs, and ergonomists

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Perspective: Task- and process-safety centered

Core question: What could go wrong during each step of the job, and how do we prevent injury or incident?

A JHA identifies:

• Mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal, and environmental hazards

• Unsafe conditions and unsafe acts

• Exposure risks (noise, heat, fumes)

• Required PPE

• Lockout/tagout and process safety controls

Primary goal:

Prevent acute injury, illness, or incident and support regulatory compliance.

Typical outcomes:

• Hazard listings by job step

• Engineering and administrative controls

• PPE requirements

• Safety procedures and training documentation

Who performs it:

Safety professionals, EHS managers, and industrial hygienists

Side-by-side Comparison

Aspect	Ergonomic Assessment	JHA
Focus	Worker–task fit	Task–hazard control
Risk type	MSDs, fatigue	Injury, exposure, and incidents
Viewpoint	Internal demands	External hazards
Output	Ergonomic solutions, job demands	Safety controls, PPE
Regulatory	Best practice / OSHA MSD guidance	OSHA safety compliance

In summary:

An ergonomic assessment and a Job Hazard Analysis are complementary but distinct. I perform ergonomic assessments, which focus on how the job demands impact the worker.