Hierarchy of Controls

What is the Hierarchy of Controls?

While it sounds complicated, it is quite simply a way of thinking about more to less effective ways to prevent illness or injury by controlling potential hazards.

The CDC's The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a website that explains the Hierarchy of Controls in detail. It is important to note that PPE, which we often think of first, is often the least effective when compared to other controls we can leverage. 

Hierarchy of Controls
Hierarchy of Controls

This video, produced by Pertrain - an Australian company specializing in learning and safety - provides a simple and general example of how the Hierarchy of Controls works. Please note, when they refer to the Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), it is the equivalent of our Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Reflection

How would you apply the Hierarchy of Controls to common hazards in your work setting?

Do you see controls the organization has tried to implement?