What is the difference between a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and a risk assessment?
Last reviewed July 5, 2026
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) focuses on specific tasks to find hazards and control measures. A risk assessment looks at broader risks across the project or workplace. JSAs are about individual tasks, while risk assessments cover project risks.
Key points
- JSA is task-focused, risk assessment is site-wide.
- JSAs identify hazards for specific jobs.
- Risk assessments evaluate risks and controls across the project.
JSAs are done before starting a specific task and break down job steps. They help workers understand hazards in their immediate work. Risk assessments look at potential hazards across the site and implement controls accordingly.
How Alloovium helps
Alloovium helps manage compliance by tracking JSAs and risk assessments, making sure all documents are current and accessible.
See how it worksRelated questions
- Can I reuse a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) across multiple projects?
- How do I review a subcontractor's Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
- How do I write a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
- How long must a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) be kept?
- How often should a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) be reviewed?
- Is a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) a legal requirement in Australia?
General information for Australian construction professionals — not legal advice. Verify jurisdiction-specific requirements with the relevant regulator.