• JSA

JSA software and apps for Australian trades: what to look for

JSA software and JSA apps for Australian tradies: what they should do, when you need a SWMS instead, and what's free vs paid. Drafting is free.

By swms.policysystem · Published 2026-10-19 · Updated 27 Oct 2026 · 6 min read

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) breaks a task into steps, lists the hazards in each and records the controls. Doing them on paper or in Word works, but it's slow, and the forms end up in the ute. A JSA app should make the job quicker without making the document generic.

What is JSA software?

JSA software (job safety analysis software) lets you break a task into steps, list hazards and controls for each step and prepare a sign-on register for workers, instead of filling in a paper or Word template. In our tool, workers sign on using the register in the exported PDF, not through digital crew sign-on.

In Australia, JSA (sometimes JSEA) is not a term used in the WHS laws. For high risk construction work, the legal document is a SWMS under WHS Regulations regulation 299, so good JSA software for construction should also produce a SWMS. See SWMS and JSA: the differences and the high risk construction work checklist.

What a good JSA app should do

Start from the actual task. You describe the job, and it suggests steps and hazards for your trade instead of handing you a blank form.
Let you edit everything. A JSA must reflect the real site. Any suggested content is a draft for you to check.
Use a clear risk rating. Likelihood x consequence, before and after controls.
Work on your phone. On site is where JSAs are written and checked.
Store your business details so your name, ABN and logo don't need retyping every time.
Produce a clean PDF a principal contractor or client will accept.
Know when a JSA isn't enough and point you to a SWMS.

JSA software vs a JSA template

A free blank JSA template is a useful starting point. You fill in the steps, hazards and controls manually; without prompts, it can be easier to overlook a hazard. A template is only as good as the site-specific information you put into it.

JSA software can make drafting faster with step-by-step prompts, a consistent layout and saved drafts you can reuse for similar tasks. Suggested hazards still need checking, and a reused draft must be reviewed for the new site and task. With our tool, an account and drafting are free; PDF download/export needs the $20 AUD/month or $200 AUD/year plan.

When a JSA isn't enough

A JSA is not a legal requirement in itself. It's a good risk assessment tool for everyday tasks. But if the work is high risk construction work (HRCW), for example a risk of falling more than 2 metres, work near energised electrical services, a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or work where mobile plant is moving, the WHS Regulations require a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before the work starts. A JSA doesn't replace it.

See SWMS vs JSA and the 18 HRCW categories.

Choosing a tool for your crew? See SWMS software compared for the different types of software and pricing.

About "free" JSA apps

Plenty of JSA apps are advertised as free. Check what "free" covers. Often it's a trial, a limited number of documents, or a watermark. A free blank template from a regulator is also a good option if you're happy to fill it in by hand.

How ours works, plainly:

Free: create an account (no card), set up your business profile, generate JSA and SWMS drafts with AI, and edit them.
$20 AUD/month (or $200/year): download unlimited branded PDFs. Cancel any time.

How it works

Pick JSA or SWMS, your trade and your state.
Describe the task in a sentence or two.
The AI drafts the steps, hazards, controls and risk ratings in about 3 minutes.
You review and edit it for the site. AI drafting is a starting point, not an approval of the work.
Download the PDF on the paid plan.

See a filled JSA example, browse JSA templates by trade, or start from the JSA template.

Common trades

We have JSA guides for painting, tiling, electrical fit-off, plastering, flooring and more, and SWMS guides for high risk trades such as roofing and electrical.

Sources: Model WHS Regulations, regulations 291 and 299; WorkSafe Victoria, Safe Work Method Statements (a SWMS isn't the same as a JSA). General information only, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is there free JSA software?

Many apps let you draft free. With ours, drafting a JSA or SWMS is free with a free account and no card. PDF download/export needs the paid plan: $20 AUD/month or $200 AUD/year.

Do I need JSA software or SWMS software?

For high risk construction work, you need a SWMS; a JSA does not replace it. Our tool does both, so you can draft a JSA for lower-risk tasks and a SWMS for high risk construction work.

Check the official guidance

A SWMS sets out the high-risk construction activities, their hazards and the controls to use. Prepare it before the work starts, adapt it to the site and review it when the work or controls change. Consult the people doing the work. An AI draft or example needs review before use.

Model WHS guidance and Victorian requirements differ. Check the rules that apply to your workplace.

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