, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1. Read about the hierarchy of safety management controls and answer the following question:
Define what is meant by safety management controls.
List and explain the five levels of the hierarchy of controls, starting with the most effective.
Give one workplace example for each level of control.
Explain why relying solely on PPE is considered the least effective control measure.
Definition of Safety Management Controls
Safety management controls are structured actions, procedures, interventions, and systems designed
to identify, assess, reduce, mitigate, or eliminate risks and hazards in the workplace. These controls
aim to protect workers by managing risks effectively, promoting a safe and healthy working
environment. Safety management is an ongoing process that involves the identification of safety
tasks, setting standards, monitoring compliance, evaluating outcomes, and implementing corrective
measures when necessary (MNO2607, 2019).
The Five Levels of the Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy of controls provides a systematic approach to managing risks, ordered from the most
to the least effective. These controls include the following:
I) Elimination Control
Elimination is the most effective safety measure as it involves completely removing the hazard
from the workplace. By eliminating the source of danger, there is no longer any potential risk
to workers.
Workplace Example: An organization removes a toxic chemical from its production line,
ensuring that no harmful substance is used in the process (McKinnon, 2023).
II) Substitution Control
Substitution entails replacing a hazardous substance, process, or procedure with a safer
alternative. This measure reduces the risk but does not completely remove it.
Workplace Example: Replacing a solvent-based paint with a less hazardous water-based paint
to reduce exposure to harmful fumes (MNO2607, 2019).
III) Engineering Controls
Engineering controls focus on isolating the hazard from workers by altering the physical
environment or modifying equipment. These changes can include machinery modifications or
implementing safety barriers to prevent exposure.
Workplace Example: Installing physical barriers or machine guards to prevent workers from
coming into contact with moving machinery parts, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury
(McKinnon, 2023).
IV) Administrative Controls
Administrative controls involve changes in work policies, procedures, and practices to reduce
exposure to hazards. These controls are focused on altering employee behavior through training,
scheduling, and operational procedures.
Workplace Example: Implementing a rotating shift system or providing safety training to
employees to minimize their exposure to dangerous tasks (MNO2607, 2019).
1. Read about the hierarchy of safety management controls and answer the following question:
Define what is meant by safety management controls.
List and explain the five levels of the hierarchy of controls, starting with the most effective.
Give one workplace example for each level of control.
Explain why relying solely on PPE is considered the least effective control measure.
Definition of Safety Management Controls
Safety management controls are structured actions, procedures, interventions, and systems designed
to identify, assess, reduce, mitigate, or eliminate risks and hazards in the workplace. These controls
aim to protect workers by managing risks effectively, promoting a safe and healthy working
environment. Safety management is an ongoing process that involves the identification of safety
tasks, setting standards, monitoring compliance, evaluating outcomes, and implementing corrective
measures when necessary (MNO2607, 2019).
The Five Levels of the Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy of controls provides a systematic approach to managing risks, ordered from the most
to the least effective. These controls include the following:
I) Elimination Control
Elimination is the most effective safety measure as it involves completely removing the hazard
from the workplace. By eliminating the source of danger, there is no longer any potential risk
to workers.
Workplace Example: An organization removes a toxic chemical from its production line,
ensuring that no harmful substance is used in the process (McKinnon, 2023).
II) Substitution Control
Substitution entails replacing a hazardous substance, process, or procedure with a safer
alternative. This measure reduces the risk but does not completely remove it.
Workplace Example: Replacing a solvent-based paint with a less hazardous water-based paint
to reduce exposure to harmful fumes (MNO2607, 2019).
III) Engineering Controls
Engineering controls focus on isolating the hazard from workers by altering the physical
environment or modifying equipment. These changes can include machinery modifications or
implementing safety barriers to prevent exposure.
Workplace Example: Installing physical barriers or machine guards to prevent workers from
coming into contact with moving machinery parts, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury
(McKinnon, 2023).
IV) Administrative Controls
Administrative controls involve changes in work policies, procedures, and practices to reduce
exposure to hazards. These controls are focused on altering employee behavior through training,
scheduling, and operational procedures.
Workplace Example: Implementing a rotating shift system or providing safety training to
employees to minimize their exposure to dangerous tasks (MNO2607, 2019).
