Risk Control Hierarchy

Control risk measures should not be a culture of supplying PPE as the first and last resort, a deeper analysis through efficient risk assessment would help establish the necessary control measures to be adopted. Risk control measures should always be cost effect.

Following the Risk Assessment:

Step 1:

•  Eliminate: Avoid the work activities if that is an option to prevent the initial risk exposure.

Step 2:

• Substitute: Look for alternative ways of carrying out the activity to reduce the risk exposure. 

Step 3:

• Isolate: Segregate the work activities to limit the number of people and activities exposed to the risk.

Step 4:

•  Engineering: Adopt best practice engineering systems as opposed for example to manual work activities 

Step 5:

• Administrative Controls: Install signage, request for permit systems (method statements, work permits etc), induction training 

Step 6:

• PPE: Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment as per the findings from the risk assessment 

Having an effective health and safety culture would always help reduce your risk exposure