Controlling Hazards
Traditionally, a Hierarchy of Controls (HOC) is used to implement hazard and exposure controls to protect workers.
The strategies at the top of the list are generally more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following the HOC when performing corrective maintenance reduces the risk of injury or illness.
The first three strategies protect employees by physically eliminating or reducing hazards.
- Elimination: Completely removes the hazard from the workplace. Example: Replacing a hazardous machine with a safer automated process that requires no employee contact.
- Substitution: Replaces a hazard with something less dangerous. Example: Using a slower-moving conveyor system to reduce the risk of injury.
- Engineering Controls: Physically modifies the machine or work environment to isolate people from hazards. Example: Installing fixed guards on a press machine to prevent access to moving parts.
The final three strategies protect employees by eliminating or reducing exposure to hazards.
- Warnings: Uses signs, alarms, or labels to alert workers to potential hazards. Example: Placing warning labels near pinch points or rotating parts.
- Administrative/Work Practice Controls: Involves training, procedures, and safe work rules to reduce risk. Example: Implementing a lockout/tagout procedure before performing maintenance.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Uses PPE to protect workers from hazards when other controls aren't enough. Example: Wearing cut-resistant gloves when handling sharp machine parts.
Interim Measures
Using a lower priority hazard control method over another higher priority control strategy may be appropriate for providing interim (temporary) protection until the hazard is abated permanently. If you can't eliminate the hazard entirely, the interim control measures will likely be a combination of control methods used together. OSHA believes that feasible interim measures are always available if higher-level control methods are not possible.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-3. A company replaces a fast-moving conveyor with a slower one to reduce injury risk. Which strategy is this an example of?
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