Final answer:
The Hierarchy of Controls is a fundamental safety management tool used to eliminate or minimize hazard exposure in the workplace. It ranks safety measures from most to least effective, and the principle of 'Minimise Numbers Exposed' falls under administrative controls, aiming to reduce the number of workers exposed to hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hierarchy of Controls - Minimise Numbers Exposed
The concept of Hierarchy of Controls is a system used in occupational health and safety to minimise or eliminate exposure to hazards. It is a core component of workplace safety and risk management strategies. The hierarchy ranges from the most effective control methods to the least and is typically represented as a pyramid.
At the top of this pyramid are methods to eliminate the hazard, which is the most effective control. When elimination is not possible, the next step is to substitute the hazard with something less harmful. If substitution is not feasible, engineering controls are implemented to isolate people from the hazard.
Following this, administrative controls are put into place, which may include changing work practices or providing training. Finally, when all other measures are not sufficient, personal protective equipment (PPE) is used as the last line of protection.
The phrase "Minimise Numbers Exposed" refers to a strategy within the administrative controls level wherein the goal is to reduce the number of individuals who are exposed to the hazard. This could involve scheduling changes to reduce the number of workers in an area, limiting access to certain high-risk areas, or performing certain high-risk activities at times when fewest workers are present.
The Hierarchy of Controls is an integral part of workplace health and safety and ensures that the most effective measures are taken to protect workers from harm.