Skip to content

Unit: Working safely

Supporting: MSAPMOHS200A Work safely

Section 2: Managing risks

Controlling risks


Image for slide 1
Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
Most hazards can be controlled in a variety of ways.

Obviously, the best control would be to eliminate it completely.

But that isn't always possible.

hearing icon
Image for slide 2
Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
So the most practical process for deciding on how to address a hazard is to find the most appropriate measure from the 'hierarchy of controls'.

It's called a hierarchy because you start at the top of the list - removing the hazard from the workplace - and work progressively down to the bottom - accepting that the hazard must remain and providing personal protective equipment.

hearing icon
Image for slide 3
Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)

Hierarchy of controls

Below is the order you should work through to find the control that is most appropriate. In many cases, you may find that more than one control is necessary. For example, training might be used as one of the controls with most hazards.

hearing icon
Image for slide 4
Audio for slide 4 (mp3 |6|KB)
1. Eliminate the risk, such as through removing the dangerous machine or situation, or changing the way the job is done

hearing icon
Image for slide 5
Audio for slide 5 (mp3 |6|KB)
2. Substitute the hazardous machine or process with a safer one

hearing icon
Image for slide 6
Audio for slide 6 (mp3 |6|KB)
3. Engineer a solution to control the risk, such as with guards, dust extraction systems or other mechanical aid

hearing icon
Image for slide 7
Audio for slide 7 (mp3 |6|KB)
4. Isolate the machine, process or area to keep employees clear of the hazard

hearing icon
Image for slide 8
Audio for slide 8 (mp3 |6|KB)
5. Train employees to avoid the risk, such as through the use of Safe Operating Procedures

hearing icon
Image for slide 9
Audio for slide 9 (mp3 |6|KB)
6. Issue personal protective equipment to employees, such as hearing protection, eye protection or safety boots.

hearing icon

Learning activity

Audio 10 (mp3 |6|KB)

Joe has looked at your risk ratings from the previous Learning activity and has now given each hazard a formal risk rating of his own. He has also decided on one or more control measures. These are shown under the links below.

As you look at them in turn, see if you can identify which category each of the control measures falls into from the Hierarchy of controls. Write down your answers and share them with other learners in your group and your trainer.

Here are your choices:

Eliminate      Substitute      Engineer      Isolate      Train      PPE

hearing icon

       Hazard 1       Hazard 2       Hazard 3       Hazard 4