Hazard Prevention and Control

A major goal on any safety and health program is to prevent worksite hazards. Unfortunately, not all hazards can be prevented because some hazards are an integral part of the physical facility (powered industrial trucks) or operational processes (handling hazardous chemicals). In such cases, the hazard must be controlled in a manner to minimize potential harm to workers.

Controlling exposure to hazards falls into three categories: engineering, administrative (work practice) and personal protective equipment. They should be applied in the sequence stated.

Engineering Controls
These are the strongest controls and apply to conditions of the work environment and equipment being used:
• To the extent feasible, the work environment and the job itself is designed to eliminate hazards or reduce exposure to hazards.
• Focuses on the source of the hazard, unlike other types of controls that generally focus on the employee exposed to the hazard.
• Consists of substitution, isolation, ventilation and equipment modifications.

Administrative (Work Practice) Controls
These are safety policies and procedures, are often developed from actual OSHA regulations and encompass:
• Written instructions on how hazards tasks should be performed
• Policy enforcement
• Preventive maintenance schedules
• Emergency preparedness
• Surveillance of working conditions (air and noise monitoring)
• Medical care as needed
• Correction of unsafe practices
• Disciplinary programs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When hazards cannot be engineered completely out of operations and administrative practices cannot provide sufficient additional protection, personal protective equipment may be required PPE. A formal PPE program should include the following:
• PPE hazard assessment as required by 29 CFR, 1910.132.
• Selection of PPE based on the results of the assessment
• In addition to training employees on how to wear PPE, employees should be trained on:
• Where to wear PPE
• When to wear PPE
• What PPE to wear
• Care and maintenance of PPE

VSM provides guidance on establishing proper hazard prevention and controls.
• Site specific hazards are identified and written policies and procedures can be developed for each hazard.
• Instructions are available and provide guidance for conducting personal protective equipment hazard surveys.
• Forty four specific audit forms are available to ensure that all controls are applied and continue to support a safe and health work environment.