What is the ‘Hierarchy of Control’ in managing risks?

The ‘Hierarchy of Control’ is a crucial concept in risk management that sets out a systematic approach to controlling hazards in the workplace. It emphasizes prioritizing methods for managing risks, moving from the most effective to the least effective strategies for eliminating or reducing exposure to hazards.

In this framework, the most effective controls involve eliminating the hazard altogether. If elimination isn't feasible, the next steps focus on substituting with less hazardous options, engineering controls to isolate people from the hazard, and administrative controls which involve changing how people work. Finally, personal protective equipment is considered the least effective option because it relies on human behavior and still allows for potential exposure to the hazard.

This systematic approach helps organizations identify the most effective ways to protect workers from risks, ensuring that the most reliable options are considered first. In summary, by utilizing the ‘Hierarchy of Control,’ organizations can create safer workplaces by systematically addressing and managing potential hazards based on their level of effectiveness.