A Task Analysis is a method used to break down a task into smaller, more manageable steps. This process helps workers understand how a task is performed. By doing this they can then identify the specific hazards and the risk they may pose. Controls can then be identified and put in place to prevent incidents from occurring.
Identify the Task: Clearly define the task you want to analyze and who you will be completing it with. Include all the Personal Protective Equipment required and any other controls that maybe required. (i.e. Exclusion Zone).
Break Down the Task: Divide the task into smaller, sequential steps or subtasks in the left-hand column.
Observe the hazards: Work through each task and identify what the potential hazards are. i.e. Hazardous Dust, Slips and Trips, Fall from Heights.
Now determine the risk: To determine risk use a risk matrix and this equation - (Risk = Likelihood x Severity)
Use the risk Matrix to determine and record the risk level.
Example
- Is an accident Likely to happen?
If so, would the Severity of the accident be Major?
- If the answers to both these questions were yes, then the Risk would be Very High.
5. Analyze the Steps: Ask yourself how can we make the job safer? Evaluate each step to identify potential improvements. i.e. Vacuum systems, Hand or Eye Protection, Scaffolding.
6. Now let's look again at the likelihood: Is the accident likely to happen? If the possibility is still very high, then re-look at the controls to see how the risk can be reduced to a safer level.
Task analysis is widely used in various fields, including education, construction, human factors engineering, and user experience design, to enhance performance and safety.