Quick Answer
The best way to lower risks at work is by using the hierarchy of controls. This means you start by removing hazards completely, then replace them with safer options, use physical changes to separate people from dangers, organise safe work practices, and finally use protective gear like gloves or masks.
If you’re new to workplace safety or working in South Africa, understanding this step-by-step approach helps you create a safer place and reduce accidents. Learning how to apply these controls practically makes managing risks easier and keeps employees safer every day.
What Is the Hierarchy of Controls?
The hierarchy of controls is a method used in workplace safety to reduce or eliminate hazards. It ranks different ways to handle risks from most effective to least effective:
- Elimination: Remove the hazard completely.
- Substitution: Swap the hazard for something less risky.
- Engineering Controls: Change the workspace or equipment to protect people.
- Administrative Controls: Change how people work, like setting rules or providing training.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use gear like gloves, masks, or helmets to protect workers.
Elimination and substitution are the safest options as they remove the hazard, while PPE is the last safety line because it only protects and doesn’t remove the risk.
How to Apply the Hierarchy of Controls Step-By-Step
Reducing risks starts with finding all hazards in your workplace. You can do this through simple risk checks or courses in hazard identification. Once hazards are clear, follow this order:
- Elimination: Can you take the hazard away? For example, if a hazardous chemical isn’t needed, remove it.
- Substitution: If you can’t remove the hazard, replace it with something safer, like using a less harmful cleaning agent.
- Engineering Controls: Use barriers, ventilation, or machines to keep workers safe, like guards on machines or exhaust fans.
- Administrative Controls: Change work methods, rotate jobs, provide safety training, and use signs to warn about risks.
- PPE: When other methods can’t fully control risks, provide protective gear and train workers on how to use it properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Hierarchy
One big mistake is relying too much on PPE and ignoring better controls like removing hazards or changing work setups. PPE alone won’t stop accidents, since it depends on correct use every time.
Another error is skipping elimination or substitution because they seem difficult or expensive. This leaves workers exposed to unnecessary dangers. Also, controls need regularly checking and updating to stay effective as work changes.
For example, on a construction site dealing with dust, don’t just hand out masks. Try stopping dusty tasks (elimination), wetting down dust (substitution), installing dust fans (engineering), changing work schedules (administrative), and finally provide masks (PPE) if needed.
Why Learning Risk Controls Matters in South African Workplaces
South African workplaces across industries like mining, manufacturing, and construction face real risks daily. Knowing how to reduce risks following the hierarchy of controls helps protect employees and meet health and safety laws. It also builds confidence for learners new to safety management.
If you want to get hands-on knowledge, try the Free Risk Assessment Course with Certificate. It covers hazard spotting, risk analysis, and how to pick the right control measures step-by-step — a practical place to start for safety beginners and leaders alike.
