Risk control and hierarchy of control refer to the systematic measures put in place to prevent or mitigate the occurrence of risks and hazards in the workplace. These methods ensure that the risk presented by hazards is reduced to a level that is both reasonable and practicable, and that people are not put in any danger while at work.

UK legislation and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide guidelines and policies on the appropriate methods of controlling risks in the workplace. The guidance covers five steps to risk assessment and the hierarchy of control measures to be taken by employers and employees to protect against risks.

The Five Steps to Risk Assessment

The five steps to risk assessment provide an essential framework for controlling workplace hazards and risks. It involves:

1. Identifying the hazard: This process involves identifying any hazards or risks in the workplace that could cause harm to people or property.

2. Evaluating the hazard: Once the hazard has been identified, the employer must assess the level of risk associated with it and decide whether further action is required.

3. Controlling the hazard: The control measures employed must aim to reduce the risk presented by the identified hazard to a practicable level, including introducing preventative measures.

4. Monitoring the situation: Employers must monitor the effectiveness of the measures implemented throughout the workplace’s life cycle. A workplace hazard can change over time. Therefore, controls must be reviewed and updated accordingly.

5. Record-keeping: Employers must keep written records of the risks identified, the measures implemented, and any reviews to demonstrate that they have adequately complied with the Health and Safety laws.

Hierarchy of Control

The hierarchy of control provides a system that identifies the most effective control measures that can be employed to reduce or eliminate risks. The hierarchy is based on the principle that some control measures are better than others, with those at the top being the most effective. In descending order of effectiveness, control measures can be divided into five levels:

1. Elimination: The most effective form of control is to eliminate the hazard altogether. This can be achieved by removing the source of the hazard.

2. Substitution: When the hazard cannot be eliminated, it may be possible to replace the hazard with a safer alternative.

3. Engineering controls: When substitution is not possible, engineering controls can be employed to physically restrict the hazard by using barriers, ventilation, or other measures.

4. Administrative controls: These measures include training, supervision, and implementing workplace policies that aim to mitigate the risk presented by the hazard.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE constitutes the last line of defense as it only protects the individual worker against a hazard in the workplace. It must be the last resort of control measures, as it does not eliminate the hazard.

UK legislation, which mandates the hierarchy of control, states that employers must take all reasonably practicable actions to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work. This means that the employer is required to select the most effective control measures to minimize identified risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, workplace hazards can pose countless threats to the safety and health of employees. Therefore, it is crucial to employ control measures that aim to eliminate or mitigate such hazards. UK legislation and the HSE guidelines provide five steps to risk assessment and a hierarchy of control measures for employers to follow to minimize risks. Employers must select the most effective control measures to minimize identified risks, giving preference to those at the top of the hierarchy of control, such as elimination and substitution. Regular reviews of the effectiveness of these control measures should be undertaken to ensure that the risks are continuously kept under control.