What is the key strategy for dealing with hazards in a safety context?

Implementing controls is a fundamental strategy for addressing hazards in a safety context. This approach involves identifying potential risks and establishing measures that either eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk associated with it. Controls can take various forms, including engineering controls like installing safety guards on machinery, administrative controls such as altering work procedures, or comprehensive safety training. By actively implementing these controls, organizations can create safer working environments and significantly lower the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

In contrast, simply improving employee awareness, changing materials, or reducing reliance on personal protective equipment (PPE) may not adequately address the hazards present. While awareness is crucial for promoting safety, it must be accompanied by tangible actions and controls to mitigate risks effectively. Similarly, changing materials might address specific hazards but does not provide a comprehensive safeguard or control mechanism unless combined with further strategies to ensure safety. Lastly, while PPE is an essential component of workplace safety, relying solely on it does not solve the underlying hazards; instead, it should complement other control measures to create a multi-faceted approach to safety.