The Hierarchy of Controls is an administrative tool for ensuring a work environment free of potential hazards. It is a method of identifying and ranking safeguards to protect workers, arranged from the most to least effective. These safeguards include elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. 

Workers and employers need to study and understand the hierarchy of controls to reach the mutual goal of creating a high level of safety and injury prevention on the work site. By following the hierarchy of controls, contractors and workers are led to the best solution possible in their circumstances. 

The first three controls, elimination, substitution, and engineering controls, focus on removing the hazard, replacing it with something less dangerous, or setting up systems that prevent workers from encountering it. These measures are the most effective but also the most difficult or least feasible to carry out, depending on the job at hand. If the job cannot be completed with the hazard removed or neutralized, the final two and least effective controls—administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE)—must be used. 

Administrative controls change the way work is done or give workers more information by providing workers with relevant procedures, training, or warnings. They’re often used together with higher-level controls. 

They include: 

• Procedures include equipment inspections, planned preventive maintenance, checklists, lockout/tagout/tryout, infection prevention and control practices, changing work schedules, pre- and post-task reviews, and worker rotation. 

• Training on topics such as hazard communication, permit-required confined space entry, lockout/tagout/tryout, and safe work procedures. 

• Warnings include signs, backup alarms, smoke detectors, computer messages, mirrors, horns, labels, and instructions. 

Administrative controls are more time-consuming but necessary to mitigate risk on the job site and create an environment where worker safety is a top priority. In addition to administrative controls, PPE equipment is often needed. PPE includes clothing and devices to protect workers (safety glasses, personal fall protection, hard hats, respiratory protection). PPE requires constant effort and attention (including proper use and training) from workers. PPE may also be needed in conjunction with other high-level control measures. 

Examples of PPE include: 

• Safety glasses 

• Personal Fall Protection 

• Systems and related equipment 

• Hardhats 

• Respirators 

• Hearing protection 

• Protective clothing 

To learn more about the hierarchy of controls, check out the OHSA guide here.