The Hierarchy of Controls | What Is the Hierarchy of Controls? | Safety First |

 What Is the Hierarchy of Controls? 

The hierarchy of controls is a method of identifying and ranking safeguards to protect workers from hazards. They are arranged from the most to least effective and include elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Often, you’ll need to combine control methods to best protect workers. For example, a local exhaust system (an engineering control) requires training, periodic inspections, and preventive maintenance (administrative controls). You will also need to consider feasibility.

Elimination makes sure the hazard no longer exists. Examples:  

• Ending the use of a hazardous material 

• Doing work at ground level rather than at heights 

• Stopping the use of noisy processes.

Substitution means changing out a material or process to reduce the hazard. Examples:  

• Switching to a less hazardous material  

• Switching to a process that uses less force, speed, temperature, or electrical current.

Engineering controls reduce exposure by preventing hazards from coming into contact with workers. They still allow workers to do their jobs, though. Examples: 

 

• Noise enclosures 

• Local exhaust ventilation 

• Guardrail system 

• Machine guards 

• Interlocks 

• Lift equipment 

Administrative controls change the way work is done or give workers more information by providing workers with relevant procedures, training, or warnings. They’re often used together with higher-level controls. They include:  

• Procedures, such as equipment inspections, planned preventive maintenance, checklists, lockout/tagout/tryout, infection prevention and control practices, changing work schedules, pre- and post-task reviews, and rotation of workers. 

• Training on topics such as hazard communication, permit-required confined space entry, lockout/tagout/tryout, and safe work procedures.

• Warnings, such as signs, backup alarms, smoke detectors, computer messages, mirrors, horns, labels, and instructions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes clothing and devices to protect workers. PPE needs constant effort and attention (including proper use and training) from workers. Higher-level controls aren’t always feasible, and PPE might be needed in conjunction with other control measures. Examples:  

• Safety glasses 

• Personal Fall Protection Systems and related equipment  

• Hardhats 

• Respirators 

• Hearing protection 

• Protective clothing 

What Are Feasible Controls? 

To decide if a control is feasible, you need to know how well it can protect workers and whether it can be implemented successfully. Consider whether it is: 

• Right for the hazard 

• Appropriate, given how likely injuries/illnesses are 

• Consistent with employer policies, laws, and regulations

• Not too burdensome to workers 

• Recognized as an appropriate practice in the industry 

• Effective, reliable, and durable 

• Readily available 

• Cost-effective, short- and long-term.

How Can You Use the Hierarchy of Controls? 

First you will need to identify the hazard(s) you are trying to control with workers and their representatives’ participation.   

Then, think about how you can block the path between the worker and the hazard. Brainstorm ways the hazard can be eliminated, substituted, engineered out, administratively controlled, or what PPE can be used with other controls.  Ask yourself:

 • What are the pros and cons of each method? 

• Are the controls feasible in our workplace?  Why or why not? 

• Where do the feasible controls fall in the hierarchy? 

Collaboratively choose the control(s) that falls highest on the hierarchy.  If it will take time to implement, use one or more of the lower options you identified as interim controls until the permanent solution is in place. Remember that you may need a combination of control methods (such as engineering controls plus administrative controls) to provide the best level of protection. Be sure to comply with any workplace regulations which may require specific types of control for certain hazards. 

Try It in Your Workplace 

Try applying the hierarchy of controls to hazards in your workplace. Brainstorm with workers and their representatives’ possible controls at each level of the hierarchy. After brainstorming, go over the options and circle the control(s) to be implemented. See the example worksheet below and use the blank worksheet that follows.