What is the aim of the Hierarchy of Control?

The aim of the Hierarchy of Control is to eliminate hazards. This approach is a systematic method used in risk management to reduce or eliminate exposure to hazards in the workplace. The hierarchy is structured in levels of effectiveness, beginning with the most effective options at the top. The primary goal is to remove or mitigate risks to ensure the safety and health of workers.

In practice, the highest priority involves eliminating the hazard entirely or substituting it with something safer. If elimination is not possible, it then moves to engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally to personal protective equipment as the least favorable option. This systematic approach helps create a safer working environment and significantly reduces the potential for accidents or injuries.

While comfort, cost reduction, and communication enhancements are important aspects of a workplace, they are not the primary focus of the Hierarchy of Control. The essence of this hierarchy is ensuring that risks are addressed at their source, ultimately contributing to better safety outcomes.