Hierarchy of Controls

Definition

The hierarchy of controls is a systematic approach to managing workplace hazards, designed to minimize or eliminate risks to health and safety. It prioritizes methods of control from most to least effective, starting with elimination and substitution, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. This structure helps organizations make informed decisions about how to protect workers in various environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hierarchy of controls is often visually represented as a pyramid, with elimination at the top and PPE at the bottom.
2. Elimination and substitution are considered the most effective controls because they remove the hazard rather than just managing exposure.
3. Engineering controls can be highly effective in reducing risk but often require a significant investment in equipment and maintenance.
4. Administrative controls involve changing work practices and policies to reduce risk, such as scheduling shifts to limit exposure time.
5. PPE should be used as a last line of defense when other controls cannot adequately reduce risk, emphasizing the need for proper training on its use.

Review Questions

• How does the hierarchy of controls help prioritize safety measures in the workplace?
  • The hierarchy of controls helps prioritize safety measures by providing a structured framework that ranks methods based on their effectiveness. Starting with elimination and substitution, which completely remove hazards, it then considers engineering controls that modify hazards, followed by administrative controls that change how tasks are performed. Personal protective equipment is listed last because it only protects individuals rather than addressing the hazard itself. This structure allows organizations to make informed decisions about resource allocation and safety strategies.
• Compare and contrast engineering controls and administrative controls within the hierarchy of controls.
  • Engineering controls focus on physical modifications to the workplace that reduce exposure to hazards, such as installing ventilation systems or machine guards. In contrast, administrative controls involve changing work practices and procedures, like rotating job assignments or implementing safety training programs. While engineering controls often provide a more permanent solution by addressing hazards directly, administrative controls depend on worker compliance and behavior. Both types of control play essential roles in creating a safe work environment but differ in their approach and effectiveness.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the hierarchy of controls in improving occupational health and safety outcomes across various industries.
  • The hierarchy of controls has proven to be effective in improving occupational health and safety outcomes across various industries by providing a clear guideline for managing risks. By emphasizing the importance of eliminating hazards first, organizations can significantly reduce incidents related to workplace injuries. In industries with high-risk environments, like construction or manufacturing, applying this framework systematically leads to more informed decision-making about safety investments. However, the success of this approach ultimately depends on commitment from management and continuous employee training to ensure all levels of control are appropriately implemented.

Related terms

Elimination: The process of completely removing a hazard from the workplace to prevent any risk of exposure.

Engineering Controls: Physical modifications or installations that reduce or eliminate exposure to hazards, such as ventilation systems or safety guards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gear worn by workers to protect against specific hazards when other control measures are not feasible or sufficient.