5 Risk Control Measures

Below is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Hierarchy of Controls composed of elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE—can help guide you in the process of formulating your organization’s control measures.

Elimination

It is the most effective control. If it is possible to physically remove a hazard, it must be done.

Substitution

It is the second most effective control. It proposes to replace the hazard with a safer alternative e.g. automating a manual process identified to be dangerous, buying a newer equipment model with better safety ratings, etc.

Engineering controls

It refers to physically isolating people from the hazard if at all possible

Administrative controls

It refers to changing the way people work. This may include procedural updates, additional training, or increasing the visibility of precautionary signs and warning labels.

PPE

It is the last line of defense if workers cannot be completely removed from a hazardous environment.

OSHA recommends the following guidelines to accomplish hazard control

• Eliminate or control all serious hazards immediately.
• Use interim controls while you develop and implement longer-term solutions.
• Select controls according to a hierarchy that emphasizes engineering solutions (including elimination or substitution) first, followed by safe work practices, administrative controls, and finally personal protective equipment.
• Avoid selecting controls that may directly or indirectly introduce new hazards.
• Review and discuss control options with workers to ensure that controls are feasible and effective.
• Use a combination of control options when no single method fully protects workers.