Risk control

The third step of the hazard management process, risk control, involves dealing with the hazard. There will be situations where a combination of control measures will need to be used to control hazards and risks.

There is generally a hierarchy of controls. In simple terms, this is a priority order of control measures ranging from elimination of the hazards and associated risks to providing people with protective equipment. Obviously it is better to eliminate the hazard if possible. Note that the lower the level of control implemented, the higher is the level of risk that is accepted.

Where a decision has been made to implement a control measure, someone has to be responsible for this and for reviewing its effectiveness. Due to the level of responsibility and authority allocated to managers and supervisors, they should be responsible for the controls implemented in their workplaces.

The control measure and the person responsible should be recorded on your hazard control log.

The control measures then need to be evaluated.