Hazard Control Strategies
Information obtained from a job hazard analysis is most useful when hazard control measures are developed and incorporated into the job.
It's important to understand that different strategies to control hazards in the workplace vary in their effectiveness. Certain strategies are more successful than others at decreasing the chances of something dangerous happening on the job.
Remember, a very basic hazard control principle is that we must either (1) eliminate the hazard or (2) control exposure to the hazard. The second principle is that it's more effective to eliminate the hazard, if you can, than to control exposure to the hazard. After all, if you can get rid of the hazard, you don't have to manage the exposure. These two important principles guide safety and health professionals in constructing a "hierarchy" of hazard control strategies.
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 within the ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to control hazards. The six strategies are discussed below.
- Elimination: Completely eliminate the hazard so that it cannot cause an accident. This is your first priority, if feasible.
- Substitution: Replace materials, equipment, etc., with something that reduces the hazard to acceptable limits.
- Engineering controls: Design the environment, materials, tools, equipment and machines so that they do not present hazards.
- Warnings: Place OSHA signs (Danger, warning, caution, or safety instruction), audible alarms (klaxon, whistles, buzzers), or tactile warnings (vibration or fans) that alert employees about the presence of hazards.
- Work Practice Controls: Develop mandatory procedures and rules that reduce the possibility of exposure to hazards.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE helps to prevent contact with hazards and is used in conjunction with other controls.
The idea behind this hierarchy is that the control methods at the top of the list are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following the hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safer systems, ones where the risk of illness or injury has been substantially reduced. Let's take a closer look at the hierarchy of control strategies.
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4-2. Following the hierarchy of controls, which control method considered the most effective?
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