Risk Assessment for Construction — create with RAMSagent
A Job Hazard Analysis for construction is a structured identification of risks on a construction project — from design phase to commissioning. It assesses the likelihood and consequence of each risk and guides the selection of protective measures according to Canada Labour Code Part II and COHSR (Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations).
RAMSagent generates a complete project-level Job Hazard Analysis that complements your Site-Specific Safety Plans per task. The analysis updates automatically when new tasks or contractors are added.
Typical risks for Risk Assessment — Construction
| Risk | Description | Legal | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls from Height | Leading cause of fatal accidents in construction — requires a coordinated fall protection plan for all contractors working above 2 m. Collective protection is prioritized over personal equipment. | Canada Labour Code Part II, COHSR | Critical |
| Coordination Risks Between Contractors | Multiple contractors in the same area create collision risks and communication gaps — requires clear role distribution and joint safety meetings as per COHSR. | Canada Labour Code Part II, COHSR | High |
| Exposure to Silica Dust | Long-term health risk (silicosis, COPD) during cutting and demolition of concrete, brick, and plaster — requires hygienic limits, extraction, and respiratory protection. | Canada Labour Code Part II, COHSR | High |
| Heavy Lifting and Ergonomics | Cumulative strain injury from manual handling of construction elements, bags, and tools — requires lifting aids and rotation. | Canada Labour Code Part II, COHSR | Medium |
| Traffic On and Around the Worksite | Risk of being struck by vehicles, machinery, and deliveries — requires a traffic plan, separated walkways, and signal guards. | Canada Labour Code Part II, COHSR | Medium |
Applicable Regulations
- Canada Labour Code Part II Basic Obligations for Employers and Other Safety Responsible Parties
- Framework for Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHS) — risk assessment, measures, follow-up, and annual review.
- Canada Labour Code Part II Risks in Certain Types of Work
- Construction-specific requirements: coordination between contractors, advance notice to the Labour Program at applicable thresholds.
- COHSR Workplace Hazards
- Occupational exposure limits, chemical hazards (silica dust, asbestos), working alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and a Site-Specific Safety Plan?
- The Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a dynamic project document covering the entire construction site — it assesses likelihood × consequence for all known hazards. The Site-Specific Safety Plan is a task-specific document used right before work begins, detailing exactly how to perform the task safely. RAMSagent automatically links them.
- Who should conduct the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
- The employer according to the Canada Labour Code Part II. On sites with multiple contractors, specific coordination requirements apply — RAMSagent helps you document hazards, controls, and follow-up.
- How often should the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) be updated?
- Whenever there is a change affecting the work environment — new contractor, changed method, incident, or near miss. RAMSagent logs updates to maintain a saved revision history.
Related Guides
- Construction Site-Specific Safety Plan Complement the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) with task-specific Site-Specific Safety Plans.
- HVAC Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) For HVAC contractors collaborating on the site.
- Electrical Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) For electrical contractors working together.
- Groundwork Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) For groundwork contractors in the same project.
Free Word Template: Risk Assessment
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