Hierarchy of Occupational Risk Controls
For the prevention of injuries, ill health, fatalities and or equipment damage it is essential to go through workplace audits, job safety analysis among other factors. Hierarchy of risk controls will be there as a system used to eliminate or minimise workers’ exposure to occupational health and safety risks.
It is called a Hierarchy of risk controls because control options are preferred according to how effective they are. It therefore follows the following sequence of effectiveness.
Elimination – Elimination entails total removal of a hazard. It is at the top being the most preferred of the hierarchy controls. Where a hazard is totally removed no chances of injury will exist.
Substitution – Where it is not feasible to eliminate a hazard, the next most effective approach is substitution by removing the hazard causing element and replacing it with an element that introduces a lesser hazard.
Engineering Controls – Engineering controls reduce hazard at source by design. It can be expressed as designing out a hazard.
Administrative Controls – These are strategies and procedures designed to reduce employees’ exposure by mostly making them aware of potential hazards. Administrative controls do not actually remove or reduce the hazard and should only be used when elimination, substitution, or engineering controls are not feasible. They include training, use of signage, operation procedures, safety rules and any other that instil awareness.
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPC/E) – PPE is the last line of defence. This is material worn or used by workers to provide protection against hazards and risks. If used improperly it can introduce other hazards and it can give a false sense of safety. In includes head, eye and ear protection, respiratory protection, body protection, hand protection, foot protection, working at heights and visibility equipment.
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