HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS

WHAT IS THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS?

Its a list of ways that your employer should deal with health and safety issues at work.
The options at the top of the list are more effective, as they address the hazard (the thing that could cause harm),
rather than just reduce the risk (the harm that the hazard could cause).
The hierarchy of controls is as follows:
1. Eliminate the hazard altogether.
For example get rid of the dangerous machine.

More
effective

2. Substitute the hazard with a safer alternative.

For example replace the machine with a safer one.
3. Isolate the hazard from anyone who could be harmed.
For example keep the machine in a closed room and operate it remotely.
4. Use engineering controls to reduce the risk.
For example attach guards to the machine to protect users.
5. Use administrative controls to reduce the risk.
For example train workers how to use the machine safely.
6. Use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Less
effective

For example wear gloves and goggles when using the machine.

WHAT SHOULD MY EMPLOYER DO?

When deciding how to deal with a health or safety issue at work, your employer should first aim to eliminate the hazard
altogether.
When thats not possible, they should aim for the next option down the list and so on.
If your employer cant eliminate the hazard, they should use more than one option from the list to reduce the risk as
much as they can.
If they need help deciding the best way to deal with a health or safety issue, your employer can call WorkCover on
1310 50 or visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
To remember the sequence eliminatesubstituteisolateengineeringadministrativePPE, think of
thisphrase:
Every Saturday I eat a pie.

making a difference

Disclaimer
This publication may contain occupational health and safety and workers compensation information. It may include some of your obligations under the
various legislations that WorkCover NSW administers. To ensure you comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate legislation.
Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au).
This publication does not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for
legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.
WorkCover NSW

Catalogue No. WC02089 WorkCover Publications Hotline 1300 799 003

WorkCover NSW 92-100 Donnison Street Gosford NSW 2250
Locked Bag 2906 Lisarow NSW 2252 WorkCover Assistance Service 13 10 50
Website www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Copyright WorkCover NSW 0110