Safety
Risk

Reducing Jobsite Risks Through the Hierarchy of Controls

Using a risk reduction strategy according to the hierarchy of controls ranks control measures by their effectiveness in controlling or eliminating hazards. The result is safer systems that reduce risks of injury and illness.
By Joe Amara
November 12, 2019
Topics
Safety
Risk

Reducing risk to a level that is considered as low as reasonably possible should be the primary goal of every Occupational Safety and Health professional. Using risk reduction strategy according to the hierarchy of controls is one of the concepts OSH professionals employ to achieve this goal. This concept ranks control measures in terms of their effectiveness in controlling or eliminating hazards, the basis being that the control measures at the top of the ranking are more effective than those at the bottom. Inherently, safer systems are usually implemented when this hierarchy is followed, which also leads to a substantial reduction in risks of injury and illness.

Different hierarchy of control models have been developed over years; however, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health through its Prevention through Design initiative represents the hierarchy of controls as follows:

  • Elimination. This requires physically removing the hazard or risk from the system or workplace. It is considered the most effective but most difficult method to implement in an existing system. An example could be eliminating a hazardous chemical process from a jobsite.
  • Substitution. This means replacing the hazard or risk with a less hazardous system. For a similar example, it could encompass replacing a highly hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one.
  • Engineering Controls. This means isolating people from the hazard. An example could be installing guards on equipment to keep workers away from potential hazards, or rerouting trucks and footpaths away from overhead power lines.
  • Administrative Controls. This basically means changing the way people work, limiting people’s exposure by adjusting work tasks or schedules. Examples include limiting the time the worker is exposed to a hazard and using warning signs.
  • Personal Protective Equipment. This requires the use of PPE to protect the worker. In construction this might include hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, ear protection, gloves, etc. Although a lot of attention is paid to PPE, it is considered the least effective of all the controls.

Reducing risk through the use of the hierarchy of controls is a fundamental way of protecting workers. One of the best ways to ensure workers are implementing the control methods is by conducting operational risk management (ORM) daily work briefings, in which the hierarchy of controls is a key topic. This is considered a “human performance tool” intended to generate awareness of hazards and lead workers to modify jobsites, workflow and procedures for the purpose of reducing error or potential for error. The ORM should be designed to ensure every task is analyzed and carried out safely.

As part of ORM, ask workers to identify hazards associated with their tasks, and devise ways of controlling the hazards. Employees should be adequately trained to control all hazards by following the hierarchy of controls in order of effectiveness. For example, it’s wise to consider fabricating work on the ground to eliminate fall hazards, substitute the use of ladders with lifts where feasible, embed sleeves in slabs to prevent core drilling, rotate jobs among employees, use caution signs and always engage PPE as the final line of defense against hazards.

The use of the hierarchy of controls should be at the core of all risk-reduction strategies. Emphasis should always be placed at the top of the hierarchy, which requires eliminating or substituting the hazard when feasible. There is no doubt that when effectively implemented, this hierarchy helps create a safer and healthier workplace.

by Joe Amara
Joe Amara formulates, develops and coordinates the safety and loss control functions. Some of his responsibilities include conducting safety training, visiting job sites to support and encourage safe behavior, and providing feedback to employees on safety practices—all while developing, recommending and implementing new safety policies and/or strategic objectives, staying current with OSHA, DOT, EPA, MSHA, and other regulations and industry trends. Joe holds a master’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and enjoys traveling, listening to music, catching up with news and current affairs, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Related stories

Safety
Mitigating Struck-By Incidents on the Jobsite
By Rob Dahl
Some workplace injuries are more serious than others, but that doesn't mean mitigating them has to be more complicated.
Safety
Cultivating a Company Culture Committed to Safety, Mentorship and Education
By David Frazier
Mentorships, education and employee training programs still work wonders when cultivating a culture of wellbeing at your construction company.
Safety
Where's the Fire?
By John Heinen
Fire safety on construction sites is at a crossroads. It’s time for an approach based on collaboration, education and training—and powered by wireless digital solutions.

Follow us




Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the know with the latest industry news, technology and our weekly features. Get early access to any CE events and webinars.