Administrative controls

Measures to manage workplace hazards

Administrative controls are a type of hazard control that involve changes to the way work is performed. These controls are designed to reduce the risk of exposure to hazards by altering the way tasks are carried out, rather than removing the hazard itself or providing personal protective equipment (PPE). Administrative controls are an essential component of the hierarchy of hazard controls, which prioritizes methods of hazard mitigation.

Overview

Administrative controls are implemented to manage occupational safety and health risks in the workplace. They are considered less effective than engineering controls because they do not eliminate the hazard but rather rely on human behavior and management practices to reduce risk. However, they are often necessary when engineering controls are not feasible or sufficient on their own.

Types of Administrative Controls

Administrative controls can take various forms, including:

• Workplace policies and procedures: Establishing clear guidelines and protocols for safe work practices.
• Training and education: Providing workers with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their tasks safely.
• Job rotation and scheduling: Reducing exposure to hazards by rotating workers through different tasks or adjusting work schedules.
• Signage and warnings: Using signs and labels to alert workers to potential hazards.
• Supervision and monitoring: Ensuring compliance with safety procedures through oversight and regular checks.

Implementation

The implementation of administrative controls requires careful planning and consideration of the specific hazards present in the workplace. It involves:

• Conducting a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls.
• Developing and documenting policies and procedures that address identified risks.
• Communicating these policies to all employees and ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Providing ongoing training and education to reinforce safe work practices.
• Monitoring compliance and making adjustments as necessary to improve safety outcomes.

Advantages and Limitations

Administrative controls offer several advantages, including flexibility and the ability to address a wide range of hazards. They can be quickly implemented and adjusted as needed. However, they also have limitations:

• They rely heavily on human behavior, which can be unpredictable and inconsistent.
• They may require significant resources for training and supervision.
• They do not eliminate the hazard, meaning the risk of exposure remains.

Related pages

• Hierarchy of hazard controls
• Engineering controls
• Personal protective equipment
• Occupational safety and health

Gallery

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  Example of a safety sign used as an administrative control.