Hazard Control

What Does Hazard Control Mean?

Hazard control refers to workplace procedures adopted to minimize injury, reduce adverse health effects and control damage to plant or equipment. Hazard control practices are often standardized and taught to managers and safety personnel in a given industry.

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Safeopedia Explains Hazard Control

Hazard control procedures vary from organization to organization and also from job to job. But even then some of the procedures can be adopted generally in every job to protect the health of workers. A worker is exposed to a number of hazards at work. For example, a worker working in extreme hot temperatures is more likely to get dehydrated, while a worker working high above the ground is at risk of falls. Hazards are often controlled via what's called the hierarchy of hazard control. This consists of a list of measures in decreasing order of effectiveness:

1. Elimination: This involves elimination of the hazard. It is the most effective measure, but may not always be possible. For example, working at heights may be a required part of some jobs.
2. Engineering Controls: This involves modifying the plant or equipment so that the associated hazards are reduced. For example, a plant might add a ventilation system.
3. Administrative Control: This involves changing the way in which a particular type of work is carried out. This is achieved by changing the timing of the work and/or changing policies and procedures.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This is considered a last resort for employee protection for when other controls fail. It includes things like helmets, eye protection and safety footwear and while it is helpful, it is the least effective control in the safety hazard control hierarchy.