Once your workplace hazards have been identified and the associated risks assessed, the next step to consider is:
- if the hazards can be removed altogether, and if not
- how the risks can be controlled to minimise harm.
Use the hierarchy of control system for controlling risks in the workplace.
Hierarchy of control
The hierarchy of control system can be an effective tool to help manage the health and safety issues at your workplace.
The most effective and ideal option is to eliminate all hazards, however when this is not possible, use various control measures to manage risks. Aim to use control measures from as high up on the hierarchy of control list as possible.
If not possible, choose the next option down the list or a combination of measures to be implemented. The least effective control measure that should be used as a last report or as a support to other control measures is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Then evaluate your control strategies and consolidate these into a safety action plan.
Information and training should always be integrated with all levels of control that explain how the measures work.
Eliminate
If possible, a hazard should be removed completely; i.e. dispose of dangerous machines.
Substitute
Replace whatever is producing the hazard with something that does not produce a hazard; i.e. replacing solvent-based paint with water-based paint. Before making a substitution, conduct a risk assessment to ensure it doesn’t create new hazards
Engineering
Isolate a person from the hazard by creating a physical barrier or make changes to a process, equipment or plant to reduce the hazard; i.e. install ventilation systems.
Administrative
Change the way a person works by establishing policies and procedures to minimise risks; i.e. job scheduling to limit exposure, and display hazard signs.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Wearing PPE to protect a person from a hazard; i.e. wearing gloves, safety glasses, hard hats and high-visibility clothing. PPE must be correctly fitted, used and maintained to provide adequate protection to your workers.
Safety fact: Manage risks
The most common workplace risk is stress to the body resulting from manual tasks. For the 2022-23 financial year, the most common type of injury claim in Western Australia was joint, ligament, muscle, or tendon injuries, making up of 45 percent of all reported work injury claims for that year.