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122 Introduction to Hazard Controls
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Warnings

Warnings are usually audible or visible. Signs, labels, posters, and lights are examples of warnings that alert workers about hazards.

The effectiveness of warnings is highly dependent on the quality of training, legibility and visibility, and worker compliance. Warnings may become ineffective if, over time, workers ignore them.

Work Practice Controls

Work Practice Controls are used next to reduce employee exposure to hazards next when engineering controls fail. They work by developing mandatory procedures and rules.

Work practice controls work only as long as employees comply.

Work practice controls are only as effective as the procedures and rules that mandate safe behaviors. It's always better to eliminate the hazard so you don't have to rely on controls that work only as long as employees comply. Here's an important principle that reflects this idea: Any system that relies on human behavior is inherently unreliable.

To be effective, work practice controls must be designed from a base of solid hazard analysis and sustained by a supportive safety culture. They should be used in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, more reliable controls.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-6. Which Hierarchy of Control strategy is considered next to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards when engineering controls fail?