What role do engineering controls play in hazard management?

Engineering controls are essential in hazard management as they focus on minimizing employee exposure to hazards through the design and layout of work environments. By implementing changes in the workplace, such as improved ventilation systems, safety barriers, or redesigning processes, engineering controls can effectively reduce the likelihood of accidents or exposures without relying solely on individual behaviors or additional protective measures.

This approach is proactive in nature, aiming to eliminate or substantially reduce potential hazards at their source rather than managing exposure primarily through personal protective equipment, training, or communication. Engineering controls can be considered a first line of defense in occupational safety, creating a safer workplace from the outset.

While personal protective equipment, employee training, and hazard communication are important components of an overall safety strategy, they often serve as secondary measures that come into play after engineering controls have been implemented. The focus on workplace design through engineering controls helps create an environment where risks are diminished, enhancing overall safety and health for workers.