Workplace safety is not just about reacting to hazards—it’s about preventing them before they occur. One of the most effective frameworks for managing workplace risks is the Hierarchy of Controls, a structured approach used to eliminate or reduce hazards. However, before implementing these controls, a safety assessment is the first and most crucial step in identifying potential dangers. This blog explores the Hierarchy of Controls and how conducting a safety assessment can proactively protect workers, improve productivity, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Step 1: Conducting a Safety Assessment
Before applying the Hierarchy of Controls, workplaces must perform a safety assessment to systematically identify hazards. This assessment includes:
✅ Hazard Identification – Recognizing potential risks in the environment, equipment, and processes.
✅ Risk Analysis – Evaluating the likelihood and severity of each hazard.
✅ Control Recommendations – Determining appropriate mitigation strategies using the Hierarchy of Controls.
A thorough safety assessment helps prevent incidents by ensuring that risks are addressed before they result in injuries or environmental harm.
The Hierarchy of Controls: Five Layers of Protection
The Hierarchy of Controls, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is a five-step system that prioritizes the most effective ways to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards.
1. Elimination (Most Effective) 🚫
The best way to prevent harm is to completely remove the hazard. If a dangerous task, chemical, or piece of machinery is not necessary, eliminating it removes the risk entirely.
Example: Instead of using a toxic solvent for cleaning, switch to a non-hazardous alternative.
2. Substitution 🔄
If elimination is not possible, the next best option is replacing a hazardous material, process, or piece of equipment with a safer alternative.
Example: Replacing lead-based paints with non-toxic, water-based alternatives.
3. Engineering Controls 🏗️
These involve designing safety into equipment, processes, and workspaces to physically isolate workers from hazards.
Example: Installing ventilation systems to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants.
4. Administrative Controls 📋
When hazards cannot be eliminated, workplaces can reduce risks through policies, training, and work procedures. While not as effective as physical changes, these controls help minimize exposure.
Example: Implementing job rotation schedules to reduce repetitive stress injuries.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 🦺
PPE is the last line of defense and should only be used when other controls are not feasible. Proper training and fit-testing are crucial to ensure PPE effectiveness.
Example: Providing workers with respirators when handling hazardous chemicals.