Harnessing Hazard Control: Strategies for Safer Workplaces

Introduction

Hazard control in the workplace is an essential part of industrial hygiene. It involves implementing measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of exposure to workplace hazards. These controls can be classified into four types: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

Elimination and Substitution

Elimination and substitution are the most effective control measures. Elimination involves completely removing the hazard from the workplace, while substitution involves replacing a hazardous substance or process with a less hazardous one.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls involve modifying the existing physical plant or process to reduce exposure. They are considered more effective than administrative controls and personal protective equipment because they reduce exposure at the source, before it can come into contact with the worker.

Administrative Controls and Personal Protective Equipment

Administrative controls involve changing the way work is performed, including timing of work, policies and other types of organisational change to reduce or prevent exposures. Personal protective equipment is considered the least effective control measure because it requires significant worker involvement and potential for misuse is high.