SPSWMS Pack

Free JSA Template

A JSA template is a one-to-three page form that breaks a task into steps, lists the hazards at each step, rates the risk before and after controls, and records who applies each control. No Australian law requires a JSA by name, but it records how you manage the task's risks. High risk construction work needs a SWMS instead.

Download the PDFDownload the editable Word file

Free, no email, A4. Prefer to fill it in online? Use the JSA builder.

What is on the form

JSA or SWMS? Check before you start

A JSA is industry practice. A SWMS is the law for high risk construction work: it must be prepared before the work starts (WHS Regulations provision 299; OHS Regulations 2017 reg 327 in Victoria). If the task involves any of the 18 categories, such as a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, a trench or shaft deeper than 1.5 metres, or work on or near energised electrical installations, the JSA is not enough. See the 18 categories and the SWMS vs JSA comparison.

Ticked a box in section 2? Generate a site-specific SWMS written to your state's legislation instead.

Generate my SWMS, A$39

How to fill it in

  1. Fill in the task details. Company, ABN, site, the task you are analysing, the supervisor, permits or licences, and the plant you will use.
  2. Run the SWMS check. Tick any of the 18 high risk construction work categories that apply. If any box is ticked, stop and prepare a SWMS instead.
  3. Break the task into steps. List the steps in the order the work is done, one action per row.
  4. Name the hazards and consequences. For each step, write what could go wrong and what the harm would be.
  5. Rate the risk before controls. Score likelihood x consequence using the key on the form or the 5x5 risk matrix.
  6. Set controls in hierarchy order. Eliminate first, then substitute, isolate, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE last.
  7. Rate the risk after controls. Score it again with the controls in place, and name the person responsible for each control.
  8. Sign on the crew. Everyone doing the task reads the JSA and signs. If the task or conditions change, revise it and sign again.

Scoring help: the 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls.

The same columns the regulator uses

SafeWork NSW's Energy Isolation Guidelines include a job safety analysis risk assessment example with these columns: task steps, hazards, possible consequences, current risk level, recommended controls and residual risk level. This template uses the same structure, plus the SWMS check, a responsible person for each control and a crew sign-on.

Common questions

Is a JSA legally required in Australia?

No WHS regulation requires a JSA by name. WorkSafe Victoria puts it plainly: risk assessments and job safety analysis "are not required under legislation but can be useful tools in identifying hazards and assessing risks". What the law does require is a SWMS before any high risk construction work (WHS Regulations provision 299).

Can a JSA replace a SWMS?

Not for high risk construction work. If the task falls into any of the 18 categories in provision 291 (for example a risk of falling more than 2 metres, or a trench deeper than 1.5 metres), a SWMS must be prepared before the work starts. Section 2 of this template is that check.

Is the template really free, with no email?

Yes. The PDF and the editable Word file both download directly. Nothing to sign up for.

How long should I keep a completed JSA?

No WHS regulation sets a keeping period for a JSA. Keep it with your site records. If the task turned out to be high risk construction work, the SWMS keeping rule applies to the SWMS (provision 303).

What is the difference between a JSA and a Take 5?

A Take 5 is a quick personal check right before a task. A JSA breaks the whole task into steps with controls and a crew sign-on. The guide to job safety analysis covers the difference in detail. Read the JSA guide.

Keep exploring

What a JSA is and how to write oneFree online JSA builderFree SWMS templateSWMS vs JSATake 5 checklist