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

Which type of control requires employee action to reduce exposure to hazards?

1. Engineering controls

2. Administrative controls

3. Elimination controls

4. Personal protective equipment

The correct answer is: Administrative controls

The correct choice highlights the importance of administrative controls, which are strategies implemented to modify work practices and reduce exposure to hazards without altering the physical environment. These controls typically involve establishing policies, procedures, and training aimed at promoting safer work behaviors. For instance, scheduling work tasks to minimize exposure times or rotating workers to limit their exposure to hazardous conditions are practical examples of administrative controls. These measures rely on employees actively participating and adhering to established guidelines, making employee action critical in their effectiveness. Therefore, when workers understand and follow administrative protocols, they play an essential role in minimizing risks associated with their job tasks. In contrast, engineering controls focus on physically altering the environment to reduce hazards, such as installing guards or ventilation systems, which do not require direct employee action. Elimination controls aim to remove the hazard entirely, and personal protective equipment is designed to offer protection to individuals. However, these strategies either do not rely on employee actions or provide a safety barrier rather than requiring participation in safety practices.