Final answer:
The Hierarchy of Controls is a system for reducing hazards in the workplace, prioritizing elimination, engineering, administrative controls, and Personal Protective Equipment. Employers are required by OSHA to prioritize hazard elimination and reduction as well as inform workers of potential risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hierarchy of Controls
The Hierarchy of Controls is a system used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards. The most effective method is Elimination, where the hazard is completely removed from the workplace. If that's not possible, the next best solution is Engineering controls, which involve redesigning machinery or work processes to reduce the risk of hazard. Administrative controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are less effective because they rely on human behavior and proper use to be effective. For instance, knowing where safety equipment like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations are located in a laboratory is an administrative control. The use of safety helmets and proper clothing in a construction site are examples of PPE. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also plays a role by classifying infectious agents into biosafety levels and prioritizing personal protective clothing for medical personnel in infection zones.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes that employers should prioritize eliminating or reducing hazards before relying on PPE. Employers are also responsible for informing workers of chemical hazards, which can be especially pertinent if there's a risk of exposure through the skin or by inhalation due to the nature of a job.