Hazard Control Hierarchy: Prioritizing Workplace Safety Measures

The hierarchy of hazard controls is a system used to prioritize hazard control measures in order to protect workers from workplace hazards. It consists of the following five levels, listed from most effective to least effective:

1. Elimination

2. Substitution

3. Engineering controls

4. Administrative controls

5. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Elimination and substitution are the most effective hazard control measures because they remove or replace the hazard at its source. Engineering controls are also very effective, as they can often be used to isolate the hazard from workers. Administrative controls are less effective, but can still be useful in situations where the hazard cannot be eliminated or controlled through engineering measures. PPE is the least effective hazard control measure, and should only be used when other measures are not feasible.