Hierarchy of Controls
Traditionally, a prioritized "Hierarchy of Controls" (HOC) has been used to implement feasible and effective exposure controls to protect workers.
We encourage the use of the HOC as described in ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to control hazards. The six strategies are discussed below.
Controlling workplace hazards: The first three strategies reduce exposure by controlling hazards. If you can get rid of the hazard, you don't have to manage behaviors.
- Elimination: By completely removing a hazard you can effectively eliminate any possibility of injury due to exposure.
- Substitution: Replacing a hazard with one that is less hazardous can reduce the severity of injury.
- Engineering Controls: Tools, equipment, and facilities can be designed or redesigned to reduce exposure to serious hazards.
Controlling employee behaviors: The last three strategies reduce exposure by controlling employee behaviors with the use of procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Warnings: attempt to reduce exposure by warning employees about hazards.
- Work Practice Controls: These controls help protect employees through the use of safe procedures and practices.
- Personal Protective Equipment: PPE serves as barriers that prevent contact with hazards.
Interim Measures
Using a lower priority hazard control method over another higher priority control strategy may be appropriate for providing interim (temporary) protection until the hazard is abated permanently. If you can't eliminate the hazard entirely, the interim control measures will likely be a combination of control methods used together. OSHA believes that feasible interim measures are always available if higher-level control methods are not possible.
Safety professionals are well-versed in the Hierarchy of Controls, so be sure to get trained. You may want to take Course 122 Introduction to Hazard Controls or Course 704 Hazard Analysis and Control.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-6. Which hazard control strategy eliminates or reduces hazards through design and redesign?
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