Overexertion and Exposure Types of Accidents

The next two accident types are overexertion and exposure. Can the worker be injured by overexertion that is can he or she be injured while lifting, pulling, or pushing Can awkward body positioning while doing a job step cause a sprain or strain Can the repetitive nature of a task cause injury to the body An example of this is excessive flexing of the wrist, which can cause carpal tunnel syndrome (which is abnormal pressure on the tendons and nerves in the wrist). 

Finally, can exposure to the work environment cause injury to the worker Environmental conditions such as noise, extreme temperatures, poor air, toxic gases and chemicals, or harmful fumes from work operations should also be listed as hazards. 

While working with the middle column. Potential Accidents or Hazards, we also need to consider the following points related to human problems  

Normally the job steps for a JSA/JHA are listed in a logical sequence. Some workers, however, may wish to change the sequence for one reason or another. For example, one operator may choose to check fluid levels before he or she does a general walk- around. This type of flexibility is good for worker morale and productivity. But, on the other hand, there are times when the sequence of the job steps or deviations from the job steps are critical to safe performance of the job. An example of this is that the walk- around inspection must be made and safety deficiencies corrected before the machine is put into service for the day. It would not be safe or proper to do the walk-around inspection after the machine has been put into service. 

If the sequence of job steps or the deviations from established job steps are critical to the safe performance of a job, this should be noted in the JSA/JHA. 

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