Have you ever wondered how workplaces keep employees safe from injuries and health hazards? The answer lies in a structured method called the hierarchy of controls. This system helps employers reduce risks by addressing them at the source instead of just reacting to them. In simple terms, it's a step-by-step approach to managing workplace hazards more effectively.
Whether you are working in construction, manufacturing or an office, understanding what are the hierarchy of controls can help you stay safer. This blog explores what is hierarchy of control, why it matters and how it pairs with health and safety insurance practices.
What is a hierarchy of control?
The hierarchy of controls is a system used to minimise or eliminate exposure to workplace hazards. It ranks control strategies from the most effective to the least effective, encouraging solutions that tackle the risk at its root.
Here’s a quick overview of how the hierarchy is structured:
- Elimination (most effective)
- Substitution
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- Personal Protective Equipment (least effective)
This model is central to understanding what is hierarchy of risk control and how you can apply it in your work environment.
Why is the hierarchy of controls important?
Before jumping into the stages, it's important to understand why we need a hierarchy.
The reasons include:
- Prioritising worker safety: Helps identify the safest and most effective risk control methods.
- Legal compliance: Supports employers in following occupational health and safety regulations.
- Cost-effectiveness: By proactively managing risks, businesses can avoid costly accidents, downtime and compensation claims.
- Consistency: Offers a standard framework across industries for dealing with hazards.
Five stages of safety controls
If you are thinking about what are the 5 hierarchy of control with examples, this section is your go-to guide.
It means physically removing the hazard.
Example: Replacing a faulty machine entirely rather than trying to fix or work around it.
Effectiveness: This is the most effective control method since it completely removes the risk.
It means replacing a dangerous process or substance with a safer one.
Example: Using water-based paint instead of solvent-based paint to avoid harmful fumes.
Effectiveness: Highly effective if the new substitute doesn't create a different risk.
It works by isolating people from the hazard through design changes.
Example: Installing guardrails on platforms or enclosing loud machinery.
Effectiveness: Useful when elimination and substitution aren't possible.
It means changing the way people work to reduce exposure.
Example: Rotating workers through hazardous tasks to limit individual exposure time.
Effectiveness: Less reliable as it depends on human behaviour.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Equipping workers with safety gear.
Example: Helmets, gloves, masks and earplugs.
Effectiveness: Least effective as it doesn’t remove the hazard, only shields the worker.
In case you are wondering what is the hierarchy of risk control, this five-stage model is your answer.
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Personal protective equipment and the role of health insurance
While PPE is the last line of defence, it is still crucial, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing and healthcare.
But here’s the catch:
- PPE can fail if not worn correctly
- It doesn’t remove the hazard
- It needs regular replacement and training
This is where group health insurance becomes important. If a worker gets injured or falls ill due to occupational exposure, a group health insurance policy can provide financial coverage for medical expenses. Additionally, group insurance policies often cover not just hospitalisation but also preventive health check-ups, which are essential in high-risk work environments.
How insurance complements the hierarchy of control
Even when every step of the control hierarchy is followed, zero risk is almost impossible. That’s where insurance plays a supportive role.
Here’s how it aligns with risk control:
- Backup protection: Offers financial cushioning if primary safety controls fail
- Legal compliance: Many Indian labour laws encourage or require employee coverage
- Employee well-being: Boosts employee confidence and morale
Conclusion
Understanding what is hierarchy of control isn’t just for safety officers; anyone managing people or machinery should know how to apply it. By following the five stages of elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls and PPE, you build a safety net that works from the top down.
But remember, controls are just one side of the coin. Combining them with solid health protection like group health insurance and group insurance ensures a safer, more secure workplace for everyone.
FAQ
- What is the hierarchy of risk control used for?
It’s used to prioritise safety methods that reduce risks effectively in a workplace setting.
- Why is elimination the most effective control?
Because it completely removes the hazard from the workplace, leaving no chance for exposure.
- Can PPE alone ensure workplace safety?
No. PPE is the last line of defence and should be combined with other control measures and insurance cover.
- How does group insurance help with occupational risks?
It provides financial support in case of illness or injury caused by work-related hazards, complementing the physical safety measures in place.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated info