Substitution
When elimination of a hazard is not possible, the next best strategy is to reduce it's severity by substituting it with a less hazardous alternative for the exposed employees.
Replace toxic chemicals with non-toxic chemicals.
Examples include:
- Replacing inappropriate tools with those that are designed for the task.
- Replacing a toxic chemical with a less/non toxic chemical.
- Replacing hazardous materials such as abrasives with non-abrasives.
While the replacement of hazardous chemicals, materials, tools, equipment, or machinery might incur significant costs, these expenses pale in comparison to the average costs associated with a serious injury, which exceed $40,000, or a fatality, which can surpass $1 million.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-4. If you can't eliminate the hazard, then your next-best strategy is to _____.
You forgot to answer the question!