Elimination and Substitution
As mentioned earlier, the two most fundamental strategies in achieving the goal of a safe and healthful workplace is to either eliminate or reduce the severity of hazards.
Eliminate the Hazard
Eliminating Hazards
These strategies all prioritize eliminating the hazard itself (i.e., the forklift) by focusing on the source, work processes, and alternative equipment options.
Examples of forklift elimination controls include the following:
- Implement conveyor belts, robotic arms, and automated guided vehicles can transport materials and goods more efficiently and without needing forklifts.
- Integrate features like built-in ramps or hydraulic platforms into containers, pallets, or machinery to allow loading and unloading without forklifts.
- Use the natural pull of gravity to move materials through chutes, rollers, and inclines, minimizing the need for lifting and manual handling.
By implementing control measures like these, you can significantly reduce the dependence on forklifts, resulting in a safer and potentially more efficient work environment.
Substituting Hazards
If elimination of a hazard or exposure is not possible, the next-best strategy is to reduce the severity of the hazard to an acceptable level through substitution.
Examples of forklift substitution controls include the following:
- Replace old forklifts with poor vision with new forklifts providing better vision.
- Use narrow-aisle forklifts that have smaller turning radii and require less aisle space, minimizing the risk of collisions with workers or other equipment in congested areas.
- Compared to gas-powered models, electric forklifts eliminate CO2 emissions and noise pollution in warehouses, improving air quality and reducing noise hazards.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-4. If you can't eliminate a hazard, what HOC strategy would you consider next?
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