The Hierarchy of Control is a vital risk management tool that helps workplaces manage and reduce hazards. Under South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, employers must minimise risks to ensure a safe working environment. Understanding this system is essential for Safety Practitioners, Safety Officers and HR managers to enforce safety measures and protect employees. In this blog, we’ll explore the five levels of the hierarchy of control, empowering the above employees to apply these strategies effectively in the workplace.
What is the Hierarchy of Control?
Let’s begin by defining the Hierarchy of Control. The Hierarchy of Control is a structured approach to managing workplace risks by implementing control measures in a prioritised order. It is designed to reduce the risk of injury, damage, or illness by controlling or eliminating hazards at their source. The hierarchy ranges from the most effective method, elimination, to less effective measures like personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers are responsible for applying the most effective control measures where possible, ensuring workplace safety. There are five levels of the Hierarchy of Control, which we will unpack in more detail below.
The Five Levels of the Hierarchy of Control
The hierarchy of control is a fundamental framework used in risk management to protect workers by systematically addressing hazards in the workplace. It consists of five different levels of effectiveness. These include the following:
- Elimination: This involves completely removing the hazard from the workplace. For example, eliminating hazardous machinery that poses a significant risk to employees. While elimination is the most effective control, it is not always feasible.
- Substitution: When elimination isn’t possible, substitution involves replacing the hazard with something less dangerous. For instance, using water-based paint instead of solvent-based paint reduces harmful fumes. Substitution is effective but may not eliminate all risks.
- Engineering Controls: These involve redesigning equipment or processes to remove hazards or reduce exposure. An example is installing remotely controlled machinery to prevent workers from entering dangerous environments. Physical modifications like this help significantly reduce and control hazards.
- Administrative Controls: These are workplace policies and procedures that lower risks through improved practices. For example, scheduling work orders to limit employee exposure to hazards is an effective administrative control. Training and supervision are key to implementing these measures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE, such as helmets, gloves, masks, and harnesses, is the last line of defence when other controls cannot fully eliminate risks. While PPE reduces exposure, it does not eliminate the hazard itself and should only be used when other methods are insufficient.
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 legally requires employers to take reasonable steps to ensure a safe working environment. The hierarchy of control is a key strategy recommended by the Act to manage and reduce workplace risks. Employers can effectively meet their legal obligations by prioritising the levels of control. Failing to implement adequate controls not only increases the risk of accidents and injury but can also result in penalties, fines, and heightened liability for the employer, reinforcing the importance of compliance with safety regulations. Therefore, by applying this structured approach to reduce hazards in the workplace, employers can reduce or eliminate risks that could lead to injury, illness, or damage. Let’s now look at how to apply the hierarchy of control in risk assessments.
How to Apply the Hierarchy of Control in Risk Assessments
Incorporating the Hierarchy of Control into a risk assessment process is straightforward and effective in managing workplace risks.
- Step 1: Identify Hazards: Assess the workplace for potential hazards such as chemicals, working at heights, or dangerous equipment.
- Step 2: Analyse the Hazards: Use a risk matrix to evaluate the severity and likelihood of each hazard. Based on this analysis, the hierarchy of control is applied to identify the most effective control measures.
- Step 3: Implement Control Measures: Once the relevant control measures have been identified, implement them in order of effectiveness, starting with elimination or substitution where possible.
- Step 4: Review and Monitor: Continuously monitor and review the effectiveness of the controls. Adjust and improve the measures as necessary to maintain a safe environment.
For HR Managers, applying this structured approach ensures workplace safety, simplifies complex safety issues, and helps comply with the OHS Act, making risk management more manageable and effective.
Conclusion
From the above, it is clear that understanding and applying the Hierarchy of Control is essential for effectively managing workplace risks. As an HR manager, integrating this tool into your risk management strategy and regularly reviewing it, will reduce the risks and ensure compliance with the OHS Act. To stay ahead of potential risks and protect your team, take action today—reach out to Absolute Health Services for expert guidance or enrol in one of our OHS training courses to enhance your risk management knowledge and create a safer, more compliant workplace.
