What Are Control Measures in Health and Safety Risk Assessments?

Control measures are practices, procedures, tools, or actions used to reduce risks in workplaces. In health and safety risk assessments, they protect people from potential hazards that could result in harm, injury, or illness. These measures aim to either eliminate the hazard entirely or minimise the likelihood and severity of harm.

Every workplace, whether it is an office, construction site, or healthcare setting, has hazards. Identifying these hazards and putting appropriate control measures in place is a legal and moral responsibility for employers in the United Kingdom. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and supporting regulations, such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, mandate risk assessments as part of workplace safety.

Why Are Control Measures Important?

Control measures are essential for creating safe environments. They protect workers, visitors, and even the general public who come into contact with the workplace. These measures also help organisations comply with legal requirements and reduce the risk of accidents, which may have financial and reputational implications.

Failing to implement control measures can lead to serious consequences such as workplace injuries, legal fines, and decreased morale among employees. In severe cases, neglect can result in business closures.

Key Steps in Risk Assessment

To understand control measures, it’s helpful to first look at the risk assessment process. The main steps include:

1. Identifying hazards: Determine potential dangers in the workplace, such as slippery floors, chemicals, or loud noise levels.
2. Assessing the risk: Estimate the likelihood of harm and identify who might be affected—employees, contractors, visitors, or the public.
3. Deciding on control measures: Identify actions or tools that could help prevent or lessen the hazard’s risks.
4. Implementing the measures: Put the chosen controls into practice effectively.
5. Monitoring and reviewing: Regularly check whether the measures are working and adjust them if circumstances change.

Hierarchy of Control

The hierarchy of control is a widely recognised system used to select control measures. It ranks solutions in order of effectiveness, starting with the most preferred method. The hierarchy is as follows:

1. Elimination:
   Remove the hazard completely. For example, if a dangerous machine is causing harm, replacing it with a safer alternative eliminates the risk.
2. Substitution:
   Replace the hazard with something less dangerous. For instance, using a less toxic cleaning chemical reduces exposure risks.
3. Engineering controls:
   Use equipment or changes in design to isolate people from hazards. Installing barriers, ventilation systems, or safety guards are examples.
4. Administrative controls:
   Introduce rules, procedures, or training to limit exposure to hazards. This might include rotating tasks to avoid repetitive strain or providing clear instructions on safe work practices.
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE):
   As a last resort, use items like gloves, goggles, or helmets to protect individuals. While necessary in some cases, PPE only reduces the impact of exposure rather than eliminating the hazard.

What are the Types of Control Measures?

Control measures come in many forms. They are tailored to specific risks and workplaces. Here are examples of common types:

Physical Measures

These include tangible changes or tools that reduce risks.

• Guardrails on elevated work areas prevent falls.
• Non-slip mats or flooring protect against slips and trips.
• Machine enclosures reduce exposure to moving parts.

Procedural Measures

These involve changes to how tasks are done.

• Implementing safe working practices, like lifting techniques to prevent back injuries.
• Limiting exposure times to harmful substances, such as asbestos.
• Clear signage and warnings to alert workers about particular hazards.

Training and Supervision

Proper training equips employees with the skills to perform tasks safely. Supervision ensures these practices are followed.

• Provide fire safety training so staff know exits and assembly points.
• Educate workers about handling certain machinery.
• Monitor employees to ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Health Monitoring

Regular health checks ensure workers aren’t being harmed by their job.

• Conducting hearing tests for employees exposed to loud environments.
• Lung function assessments for those handling dusts or chemicals.

Emergency Measures

Preparedness for emergencies is critical.

• Installing fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
• Providing first aid kits and training first aiders.
• Evacuations plans for emergencies like fires or gas leaks.

How Are Control Measures Chosen?

Control measures must be practical and proportionate to the level of risk. They are chosen based on factors such as:

1. The severity of the hazard: High-risk hazards need more robust controls. For instance, working at significant heights requires thorough fall prevention systems.
2. The likelihood of harm: The more likely harm is to occur, the more stringent controls must be.
3. The people at risk: Vulnerable groups, like pregnant workers or those with pre-existing conditions, may need tailored measures.
4. Legal requirements: Some measures are compulsory under specific regulations, such as ensuring proper ventilation for those working with chemicals.
5. Cost and feasibility: While cost matters, the law expects employers to act reasonably to protect workers. If the risk is likely to cause serious harm or death, employers must prioritise prevention over financial considerations.

Checking and Reviewing Control Measures

Control measures are not a one-time fix. They need ongoing attention.

• Regular inspections ensure machinery, tools, or PPE remain in working condition.
• Staff feedback helps identify weaknesses or new hazards.
• Accident reports highlight where improvements are needed in current measures.

Changes in the workplace may require updated measures. For example, new equipment, processes, or staff could introduce different risks.

Legal Responsibilities for Control Measures

UK law sets clear expectations for employers about control measures. The key legislation includes:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers must protect employees and others who might be affected by their operations.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: This requires employers to conduct risk assessments and implement suitable control measures.
• Industry-specific laws: There are additional requirements for sectors like construction, healthcare, or manufacturing.

Employees also have responsibilities. They must follow safety procedures, use provided equipment properly, and report any hazards or incidents.

Common Examples of Control Measures in Different Settings

Each workplace has unique hazards. Here are examples of control measures for specific environments:

Offices

• Cable management systems to prevent trips.
• Display screen equipment (DSE) assessments to avoid ergonomic issues.
• Fire alarms and well-signed evacuation routes.

Construction Sites

• Hard hats and high-visibility clothing for workers.
• Scaffolding inspections to avoid collapse risks.
• Authorised site access to limit contact with machinery.

Hospitals

• Safe disposal systems for needles and sharps.
• Training around infection control procedures, such as hand hygiene.
• Protective aprons and gloves for handling bodily fluids.

Factories

• Noise-reducing headphones for workers in loud areas.
• Machine maintenance to prevent malfunctions.
• Marked walkways to separate pedestrians and vehicles.

The Role of Communication

Control measures are only effective if people know about them. Employers must:

• Inform staff about hazards and the related measures in place.
• Provide detailed instructions on how to use protective equipment or follow safety procedures.
• Ensure that communication is clear and accessible to everyone, including those who may face language or other barriers.

Final Thoughts

Control measures are lifesaving tools in the workplace. They protect against harm, promote a culture of safety, and uphold legal obligations. Whether it’s through physical changes, new procedures, or better training, these measures create environments where people can work productively and safely.