Control of Hazards

Control of Hazards

Adapted from USW Resource Handout

Once workplace hazards have been identified, the next step is to control the hazards. Hazard controls are methods used to eliminate or limit workersʼ exposure to a hazard. While there are many different types of hazards (such as toxic chemicals, unguarded machinery and equipment, working in high places), there are certain principles guiding hazard control that apply to all hazards.

REMEMBER: FIX THE WORKPLACE, NOT THE WORKER!

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THE BEST WAY TO CONTROL A HAZARD IS TO ELIMINATE IT.

If a hazard cannot be eliminated altogether, there are several other ways to limit worker exposure to the hazard. Some of these ways are more effective than others. When all of these different hazard control methods are put in a chart, going from the most effective to the least effective way to control the hazard, the chart portrays the “HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS”.

It is considered good occupational safety and health practice to follow the hierarchy of controls.

HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS

1. Elimination Most Effective Control

2. Substitution

3. Engineering Controls (Safeguarding Technology)

4. Administrative Controls (Training and Procedures)

5. Personal Protective Equipment Least Effective Control

Resources:

More on the Hierarchy of Hazard Controls and Examples of Each Type of Control

Hierarchy of Safeguarding Controls for Machinery, NYCOSH

Job Hazard Analysis, NYCOSH

NYCOSH Fact Sheet: Respirator Basics

NYCOSH Fact Sheet on the Two Types of Respirators

"Playing Industrial Hygiene To Win," Eileen Senn, MS

Precautionary Principle, NYCOSH

Risk Reduction, NYCOSH

"The PEL Is Not a License to Kill, Effect vs. Exposure Level" Frank Mirer, Ph.D.

NYCOSH Lockout/Tagout Factsheets:

What Is Lockout Tagout?

Forms of Energy

How Lockout Tagout Prevents