Hazard Control

The process of eliminating or reducing the risk of injury, adverse health effects, and damage to equipment or property in the workplace.

Steps in a hazard control program

1. Identify the hazard
2. Assess the risk by considering both the severity and the probability of harm
3. Control the risk using the hierarchy of controls
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the controls

Monitor and evaluate using

• Workplace inspections
• Risk assessments
• Incident investigation reports
• Tests and equipment verification
• Worker feedback and input
• Injury and illness tracking
• Medical surveillance
• Exposure assessments and air sampling

Hierarchy of Controls

Use multiple control measures in a layered approach, starting from the most effective to the least effective, to reduce the risk of exposure to the hazard.

Elimination

Remove the hazard from the workplace.

Substitution

Replace hazardous materials, chemicals, or machines with safer ones.

Engineering Controls

The design of facilities, equipment, systems, or processes to reduce exposure.

Administrative Controls

Change how the work is done by developing or revising policies, programs, procedures, and training.

Personal Protective Equipment

Provide and use protective equipment as the last level of protection to reduce exposure to hazards.

Control measures can work together to support each other at the source of the hazard (most effective), along the path, and at the worker level (least effective).

Less effective controls can still be useful as temporary solutions before more effective ones are put in place.

Safe versus unsafe

Employers must take all reasonable precautions to protect workers. A legal limit or guideline should never be viewed as a firm line between safe and unsafe. Always keep exposure to a hazard and the risk of harm as low as possible.