Question

The use of Personal Productive Equipment (PPEs) has been emphasised in the fight against COVID-19. In the control of hazards at the work place a hierarchy of control is recommended to be followed. As an occupational health and safety manager discuss with practical examples how you would apply the control measures on biological hazards such as COVID-19 and why you would consider as a last resort the use of PPEs

Answer 1

The standards for the normal has been changed and people are now slowly adapting to the new normal. In organization, the safety manager has to plan the arrangements that avoid the contagious disease. The hierarchy of control is:
Elimination: The elimination control is done by implementing the total lockdown as suggested by the government. At present, countries are removing the complete lockdown as it is affecting the economy of the country. Hence the safety manager has to decide on the other controls.

Substitution: Substitution is not possible for this biological hazard as the only option to substitute is to buy the major components instead of making. But it will have an impact on the employment of the workers. The company will also face ethical issues if it had to remove the workers from the organization.

Engineering controls: Engineering controls involves the use of technological aids to fight against the deadly virus. This includes automatic sanitizing machines, temperature monitors, etc., which should be implemented throughout the day.

Administrative controls: Relies on the managerial decisions that can contribute in reducing the chances of spreading the deadly virus. For example, many IT organizations have implemented work from home options for the employees because of which there is no need for them to travel and get exposed to the virus. Manufacturing industries have adopted a rotational shift by working with only 50 percent of the workers.

Personal Protective Equipment: Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) involves the use of facemask, gloves, and face cover. All the employees in the organization should be monitored on the usage of the PPE and appropriate actions have to be taken for those who are not following it. Inventory management should also be considered in having an adequate number of PPEs to avoid the PPE shortage. PPE should be the last option in the hierarchy of control mainly because it does not avoid the hazard but only minimizes the impact. For example, Using the facemask to control the exposure of the virus does not confirm that the person will not be affected by the virus. It only minimizes the impact that is created out of it.