OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

Which of the following is NOT considered an engineering control?

1. Ventilation systems

2. Guarding moving parts

3. Worker training programs

4. Chemical substitution

The correct answer is: Worker training programs

The correct answer identifies worker training programs as not being an engineering control, which is accurate. Engineering controls refer to physical modifications or designs that eliminate or reduce hazards at the source. For example, ventilation systems are designed to remove or filter air contaminants, and guarding moving parts protects workers from injury by preventing access to dangerous machinery. In contrast, worker training programs focus on educating employees on safety practices and hazard recognition; they do not physically alter the workplace or machinery. While training is essential for promoting safety culture and ensuring compliance with procedures, it falls under administrative controls rather than engineering controls. Chemical substitution can be considered an engineering control because it involves replacing a hazardous substance with a less hazardous one, which directly impacts the environment in which workers operate. Therefore, selecting a worker training program as the correct answer aligns with the definition of engineering controls and their distinct function in workplace safety practices.