Hierarchy of Controls

The safest thing an employer can do for its workers is to completely eliminate a hazard. Unfortunately, this is not always realistic in the construction industry. However, the higher in the hierarchy of controls an employer can operate, the safer employees will be.

The OSHA regulations define a hierarchy of controls to help mitigate hazards, as follows:

1. Elimination or substitution is the best way to deal with a safety hazard, and eliminates exposure to a risk altogether before a worker is ever exposed.
2. Engineering controls that physically change the workplace to reduce the exposure to a safety hazard. Engineering controls for use with silica-containing materials include the following:
   • Local exhaust ventilation
   • Containment methods (such as blast-cleaning machines and cabinets)
   • Wet sawing or wet drilling
3. Administrative or work practice controls may be appropriate in some cases where engineering controls cannot be implemented, or when different procedures are needed after implementing new engineering controls. Administrative controls may include the following:
   • Installing signage
   • Limiting workers' exposure time
   • Requiring workers to shower before leaving a worksite
   • Requiring workers to change into clean clothes before leaving a worksite
4. Personal protection equipment is the least desirable control, but may still be effective. Use of personal protective equipment to keep workers' exposure below the OSHA permissible exposure limit may include the following:
   • Wearing proper respiratory protection
   • Wearing personal protective clothing, such as gloves, coveralls, and eye protection

To learn more about Construction Silica visit our Construction Silica Safety Online Training web page.