What does the 'hierarchy of control' refer to?

The 'hierarchy of control' is indeed a systematic approach to risk management that prioritizes safety measures. This framework helps professionals identify and implement the most effective controls to reduce or eliminate hazards in the workplace. The hierarchy typically consists of several levels of control strategies, starting from the most effective (elimination of hazards) down to the least effective (personal protective equipment).

In health and safety practice, using the hierarchy of control ensures that interventions are methodically assessed and practiced in order of their effectiveness. For instance, eliminating a hazard altogether is the best solution, followed by substituting it with something less hazardous. Engineering controls, administrative actions, and finally personal protective equipment are viewed as successively less effective, which ideally leads to a more strategic and impactful way to manage risks in the workplace.

This approach is fundamental for creating a safe work environment, as it systematically evaluates risks and ensures that organizations do not rely solely on personal protective equipment, which often comes as a last line of defense.