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800 Introduction to Construction Safety Management
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Hazard Prevention and Control

Controlling Exposure - The Hierarchy of Controls

Traditionally, a prioritized "Hierarchy of Controls" (HOC) has been used to implement feasible and effective exposure controls to protect workers. We encourage the use of the HOC as described within the ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to control hazards.

  1. Elimination
  2. Substitution
  3. Engineering Controls
  4. Warnings
  5. Work Practice Controls
  6. personal Protective Equipment

The idea behind this hierarchy is that the control methods at the top of the list are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following the hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safer systems. The risk of illness or injury can be substantially reduced. Let's take a closer look at each of the control measures.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-1. What is the fundamental approach to protect construction workers?