What is regarded as the least effective means of control in safety practices?

The least effective means of control in safety practices is personal protective equipment. This is because personal protective equipment (PPE) serves as the last line of defense against hazards. While it is essential for protecting workers in hazardous environments, it relies on correct usage and does not eliminate the hazard itself.

PPE includes items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection, which must be worn consistently and correctly to be effective. However, they do not address the hazard at its source. If hazards can be eliminated or engineered out through design changes, those approaches should be preferred. In contrast, relying primarily on PPE can lead to complacency, as it does not modify the working environment or reduce the actual risks present.

In terms of control measures, elimination and engineering controls are generally considered more effective because they aim to remove or substitute the hazard entirely or implement systems that prevent exposure, thereby reducing the reliance on individual behavior and adherence to safe practices. Administrative controls can help manage risks through policies and procedures but may still leave room for human error, which is less of a concern with elimination or engineering controls.