Engineering Controls
Prevention through Design (PtD) is a safety approach that prioritizes incorporating worker safety into the design and planning stages from the outset of a project.
By using PtD, engineers can identify and eliminate potential hazards and risks from tools, equipment, systems, work processes, and facilities to reduce or eliminate work-related injuries and illnesses.
Well-designed engineering controls are effective in protecting workers and will typically be independent of worker interactions to provide a high level of protection.
Examples of engineering controls include:
- Using two-hand controls, safety switches, and hand guards to prevent "caught-in" and other accidents.
- Using ergonomically-designed tools to mitigate cumulative trauma and other disorders.
- Redesigning noisy equipment to make it run more quietly.
- Using extension poles to replace ceiling light bulbs.
When considering engineering controls, employers should think about the feasibility, costs, and ease of implementation of replacing or redesigning the equipment. It is important to remember that OSHA expects employers to consider engineering control strategies before employing administrative controls or personal protective equipment (PPE). By prioritizing engineering controls and using PtD, employers can create a safer work environment for employees.
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3-5. Why are well-designed engineering controls considered highly effective in protecting workers?
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