Module 13 Study Guide

Problem-Solving

Module 13 Problem-Solving: Study Guide

Module Learning Objectives

1. Explain the job safety analysis (JSA) process and why it’s important.
2. Analyze problems at work.
3. Brainstorm effective solutions.
4. Execute effective solutions.
5. Evaluate the success of your solutions.

Module Summary

Learning Objective 1. Explain the job safety analysis (JSA) process and why it’s
important.

A job safety analysis (JSA) is an assessment that can help you find, evaluate, and address
hazards.

A problem-solving framework like the JSA has four main steps:

Step 1: Identify the problem.
Step 2: Come up with possible solution.
Step 3: Pick a solution and take action.
Step 4: Evaluate your success.

Learning Objective 2 Analyze problems at work.

Identify the problem by describing the situation in detail.

You need a full understanding of the situation and any hazards that could come up before
trying to find a solution. This includes:
• What the hazard is.
• Why it’s dangerous.
• The problems it could cause.
• How likely it is to go wrong.

There might be contributing factors you should include in your description of the problem.

Learning Objective 3. Brainstorm effective solutions.

Check your JSAs (or JHAs) to see if there are already solutions for this type of problem.

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Problem-Solving

Brainstorm solutions:
• Define the problem. Make sure everyone is clear on the problem.
• Don’t make judgments. Sometimes the best solutions come from left field so don’t
discount an idea.
• Embrace organized chaos. Brainstorming is a no-holds-barred exercise. Ideas may fly
around. Don't limit creativity.
• Piggyback ideas. Encourage everyone to hitchhike or piggyback on the ideas of others.
• Go for quantity, not quality. The goal of brainstorming is to come up with as many ideas
as possible. You can evaluate and eliminate options later.
• Be brief. Don’t get into detailed explanations.

Once you’re done coming up with ideas, narrow down your options.

Cross out any solutions that:

• Don’t completely solve the problem.
• Are unreasonable.

If there are complicating factors out of your control, try talking to your supervisor to get
direction.

Look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option to narrow down your list.

The solution you ultimately choose should be practical; it needs to be possible with the time,
skills, and resources you have.

Learning Objective 4. Execute effective solutions.

A solution should be carried out by the person who suits the job.

Trust the person to fix the problem but be ready to address any complications or take it to your
supervisor.

Find a time frame to put the solution in place.

Learning Objective 5. Evaluate the success of your solutions.

Even if the solution works well, it’s worth evaluating.

Documenting the results right away will:

• Keep the details from getting lost.
• Create a reference for future solutions.

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Problem-Solving

Knowledge Checks
1. What is the first thing you need to do when solving a problem?
A. Develop a solution.
B. Document it.
C. Identify it.
D. Take action.

2. Why is it important to consider contributing factors when you’re problem-solving?

A. So that you can prioritize the actions you need to take
B. So that you can figure out if the any part of the situation could make it more
dangerous
C. So that you can justify your decisions to your supervisor
D. So that you can establish a timeline for getting the solution in place

Key Terms and Definitions

Key Term Definition

Brainstorming A spontaneous group discussion to produce
ideas and ways of solving problems.
Contributing factor Something that helps cause a result.
Job safety analysis (JSA A safety tool that can be used to define and
control hazards associated with a certain
process, job, or procedure.

Resources, Sources, and Links

1. Hazard Analysis: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3071.pdf

Answer Key

1. What is the first thing you need to do when solving a problem?

A. Develop a solution. (Incorrect. Developing a solution is the second thing you
need to do.)
B. Document it. (Incorrect. Documenting the solution is the final thing you should
do.)
C. Identify it. (Correct. The first thing you need to do is to identify the problem.)
D. Take action. (Incorrect. Taking action is the third thing you need to do.)

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2. Why is it important to consider contributing factors when you’re problem-solving?

A. So that you can prioritize the actions you need to take (Incorrect. This is not the
best answer.)
B. So that you can figure out if the any part of the situation could make it more
dangerous (Correct. You’ve got to take all contributing factors into account, so
you don’t make the problem worse.)
C. So that you can justify your decisions to your supervisor (Incorrect. This is not
the best answer.)
D. So that you can establish a timeline for getting the solution in place (Incorrect.
This is not the best answer.)

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