Task analysis vs SSSP: what is the difference?
An SSSP is the whole-of-site safety plan for a contractor on one site. A task analysis (or JSA) breaks a single task into steps, with the hazards and controls for each step. The SSSP is the big picture; the task analyses are the detail for the higher-risk tasks, and the SSSP references them.
The SSSP: the site picture
The SSSP covers everything about your work on the site: who you are, the hazards, the emergency plan, inductions, how you work in with the main contractor, and how you report and review. It is the document the main contractor reviews before you start.
The task analysis: the task detail
A task analysis zooms in on one task, such as connecting a live DC solar string or entering a drainage pit. It lists the steps in order and, for each step, the hazards and the controls in reg 6 order. It is what a supervisor briefs the crew on before the task.
How they work together
- •The SSSP identifies which tasks need a task analysis
- •Each higher-risk task gets its own task analysis
- •The crew signs on to the task analysis before doing the task
- •Both are kept on site and reviewed when the work or the hazards change
Common questions
Do I need a task analysis for every task?
No. You need a task analysis for the higher-risk tasks, where the hazards warrant a written, step-by-step method. Routine low-risk work is covered by the SSSP hazard register. The SSSP identifies which tasks need their own analysis.
Who signs the task analysis?
The workers doing the task sign on to it before they start, to confirm they have been briefed on the steps, hazards and controls. This is part of worker engagement under sections 58 and 59 of HSWA.
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