Question

What are administrative controls and how are they used?

Answer 1

Work practice controls or better known as Administrative Controls are a type of Hazard Control. These controls are used in the workplace to reduce or limit the exposure to a specific hazard. These are essentially rules and regulations put in place to minimize the risk. Such kind of hazard control works by changing how work is done when elimination, substitution, or the use of engineering controls is not feasible. From effectiveness and efficiency perspective, administrative controls lie fourth in the hierarch of controls i.e. after Elimination, Reduction, and Engineering controls.

Administrative controls are not the optimal solution and cannot be the selected method of abatement if a hazard, or employee exposure to that hazard, can be eliminated. They are not seen as effective as other controls because it is at risk for human error and is typically used as a temporary solution rather than a sustainable, long-term solution.

The use of administrative controls is an important method of meeting this obligation when the institution of elimination, substitution, and engineering controls is not sufficient to reduce worker risk to an acceptable level. Because administrative controls emphasize improving safety through the implementation of policies, practices, and procedures that govern worker behavior, they can be understood as a form of continuous, human-mediated safety management. Warning alarms is one of the simplest example of administrative controls. Other examples with their usage are listed below:

• Alarms and/ or Labeling: An alarm is used to notify that something is not right. Labeling, wall signs and floor signs can be used as warning and posted or installed to enforce administrative controls. Visual cues can remind workers which areas are prohibited from entering, when breaks need to be taken to limit heat exposure etc.
• Training: If you don’t train your employees how to comply with the safety requirements, controls can still be bypassed. Workers should be trained to identify hazards, monitor hazard exposure, and safe procedures for working around the hazard. Additionally, employees should know how to protect themselves and their co-workers.
• Procedures: Any changes/ updates in the process are important to be communicated adequately and relevant personnel be trained. The steps in a job process may need to be rearranged or updated to keep the worker for encountering the hazard. Developing standardized safe work practices is an important step.
• Maintenance: Having a maintenance schedule for machines known to be hazardous can keep everything running smoothly and safely. Preventive maintenance will address any equipment issues before they become a problem.
• Housekeeping: Sustaining a clean and clutter-free space will greatly reduce the risk of injury and can minimize the severity of an accident.

To conclude - Administrative control is not mutually exclusive from other safety controls. They are generally used in combination with other controls to reduce employee risk exposure to a safe level. This control is not fixed, but it varies based on industry, workplace, work processes, specialization, etc.