Below is the order you should work through in order to find the risk control that will be the most effective method of reducing the risk. This order is referred to as a 'hierarchy' because the first option (eliminate) is the most effective, and the last option (issue PPE) is the least. Therefore the higher the level of control you can apply; the more effective that control will be.
- Elimination
- Remove the hazard or hazardous work practice completely.
- Substitution
- Substitute or replace the hazardous machine or process with something that is safe.
- Isolation
- Isolate or separate the hazard or hazardous work practice away from people on the site.
- Engineering control
- If the hazard can't be eliminated, substituted or isolated, you can apply an engineering control that involves modifications to tools or equipment.
- Administrative control
- This involves changing existing or implementing new work practices and/or policies to reduce risk.
- Issue personal protective equipment (PPE)
- PPE such as hearing protection, eye protection or safety boots should be standard on most building sites, however if the previous risk control measures cannot be applied to a risk, specialist PPE may be useful.
Reproduced courtesy of WorkSafe, Department of Commerce, Western Australia, www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.