Identifying control measures The final step in risk assessment is to determine the control measures that need to be taken and the ongoing review of those measures. There is a hierarchy or preferred order of control measures ranging from the most effective to the least effective. The preferred order is outlined in the table below. The control of occupational injury and disease risks should preferably be dealt with by design, substitution, redesign, separation or administration. These controls generally eliminate, reduce or minimise risk in a more reliable manner than personal protective equipment.
Controls involve implementing measures which reduce the hazard and risk in the workplace.
Where regulations require specific methods to control the risk, these must be complied with. Control measures are not mutually exclusive. That is, there may be circumstances where more than one control measure should be used to reduce exposure to hazards. In some instances, a combination of control measures may be appropriate. There are some situations where temporary use of personal protective equipment may be necessary.