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Administrative controls are changes in the way that things are done in an attempt to improve safety. There are many ways that they can be used to help reduce workplace hazards. In most cases, administrative controls are implemented voluntarily to help ensure that a facility and its employees are as safe as possible. In other cases, they are implemented as part of an effort to remain in compliance with requirements from OSHA or other regulatory agencies. Either way, looking at examples of administrative controls can help provide you with ideas for updating policies, rules, schedules, and other aspects of the way your business operates. Examples of Administrative ControlsThe following are examples of administrative controls that have been successfully used in various facilities to improve workplace safety:
Proper administrative controls are policies or procedures that are put in place to make sure specific activities to improve the safety of a facility are followed. Finding what will work in your facility takes ongoing effort, but in the end will help to ensure the workplace is as safe as possible. Similar QuestionsAdditional ResourcesControlling exposures to hazards in the workplace is vital to protecting workers. The hierarchy of controls is a way of determining which actions will best control exposures. The hierarchy of controls has five levels of actions to reduce or remove hazards. The preferred order of action based on general effectiveness is:
Using this hierarchy can lower worker exposures and reduce risk of illness or injury. EliminationElimination removes the hazard at the source. This could include changing the work process to stop using a toxic chemical, heavy object, or sharp tool. It is the preferred solution to protect workers because no exposure can occur. SubstitutionSubstitution is using a safer alternative to the source of the hazard. An example is using plant-based printing inks as a substitute for solvent-based inks. When considering a substitute, it’s important to compare the potential new risks of the substitute to the original risks. This review should consider how the substitute will combine with other agents in the workplace. Effective substitutes reduce the potential for harmful effects and do not create new risks. Elimination and substitution can be the most difficult actions to adopt into an existing process. These methods are best used at the design or development stage of a work process, place, or tool. At the development stage, elimination and substitution may be the simplest and cheapest option. Another good opportunity to use elimination and substitution is when selecting new equipment or procedures. Prevention through Design is an approach to proactively include prevention when designing work equipment, tools, operations, and spaces. Engineering ControlsEngineering controls reduce or prevent hazards from coming into contact with workers. Engineering controls can include modifying equipment or the workspace, using protective barriers, ventilation, and more. The NIOSH Engineering Controls Database has examples of published engineering control research findings. The most effective engineering controls:
Engineering controls can cost more upfront than administrative controls or PPE. However, long-term operating costs tend to be lower, especially when protecting multiple workers. In addition, engineering controls can save money in other areas of the work process or facility operation. Administrative ControlsAdministrative controls establish work practices that reduce the duration, frequency, or intensity of exposure to hazards. This may include:
PPEPPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards. Examples of PPE include gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, and respirators. When employees use PPE, employers should implement a PPE program. While elements of the PPE program depend on the work process and the identified PPE, the program should address:
Employers should not rely on PPE alone to control hazards when other effective control options are available. PPE can be effective, but only when workers use it correctly and consistently. PPE might seem to be less expensive than other controls, but can be costly over time. This is especially true when used for multiple workers on a daily basis. When other control methods are unable to reduce the hazardous exposure to safe levels, employers must provide PPE. This includes:
Administrative controls and PPE require significant and ongoing effort by workers and their supervisors. They are useful when employers are in the process of implementing other control methods from the hierarchy. Additionally, administrative controls and PPE are often applied to existing processes where hazards are not well controlled. Training and evaluation can help ensure selected controls are successful. Employers should correctly train workers and supervisors on how to use controls. Workers and their supervisors should evaluate controls on a regular basis. Regular evaluation can check whether controls are effective in reducing workers’ exposures and identify potential improvements. What are administrative controls in security?Administrative controls define the human factors of security. It involves all levels of personnel within an organization and determines which users have access to what resources and information by such means as: Training and awareness. Disaster preparedness and recovery plans.
What are examples of administrative controls?Examples: Administrative—Administrative controls reduce employee exposures through methods such as education and training, work reduction, job rotation, maintenance/repairs, housekeeping, personal hygiene, and appropriate work practices.
What are the different types of security controls?There are three primary areas or classifications of security controls. These include management security, operational security, and physical security controls.
What controls are also known as administrative controls?Administrative controls (also called work practice controls) are used in the workplace to reduce or limit the exposure to a specific hazard. This kind of hazard control works by changing how work is done when elimination, substitution, or the use of engineering controls is not feasible.
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