Conducting an Accident Investigation
Course 102
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE 6: DEVELOPING RECOMMENDATIONS

The Hierarchy of Controls

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Some jobs require PPE by law. This control strategy is used in conjunction with the other control strategies. It should not be used to replace them. When engineering and/or administrative controls don't adequately eliminate or reduce the hazard(s)of a task, PPE may be needed in addition to those strategies.

PPE places a barrier between workers and the hazard. Remember, PPE does not eliminate or reduce the hazard itself, it merely sets up a barrier between you and the hazard. And, to be successful, it is highly dependent on safe behaviors.

The Hierarchy of Controls, when used separately or in combination, may be quite effective in eliminating or greatly reducing the probability of a similar accident recurring. However, to make sure long term risk reduction is achieved throughout the entire company, system improvements must be made.