Now you’ve been tasked with implementing controls for the worksite. It’s not feasible to not move mobile plant, so look for controls that can apply to the footpath and pedestrians, protecting them from plant and falling objects. Consider the Hierarchy of Controls.

Out of the following measures, which one would be most effective?

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Hierarchy of Controls

Control level

Description

Examples

1. Elimination

Completely removing the hazard so that it is not there

  • Power switched off
  • Redesign
  • Road closure

2. Substitution

Replacing hazardous objects or situations with less hazardous ones

  • Smaller or different plant
  • Traffic lights instead of traffic controllers

3. Isolation

Keeping hazardous objects or situations away from people

  • Road safety barriers
  • Barricaded no go zones

4. Engineering

Installing or using additional machinery to make hazards safer

  • Machine guards
  • Safety pins
  • Height limiters
  • Sensors

5. Administration

Establishing procedures that highlight potential risks as well as the above measures

  • Safety briefings
  • Signage
  • Risk assessments
  • SWMS

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Only to be used as a ‘last line of defence’. Use PPE to protect workers if the above measures fail, or as a temporary control until other measures are in place.

  • Gloves
  • Hard hats
  • Hi-vis clothing

7. Any combination of 2–5 options

]]> Instructing plant operator via SWMS to beware of pedestrians using the footpath

]]> Engineering mobile plant to make it less likely to hit people or eject objects

]]> Erecting a fence or barrier to prevent pedestrians entering the worksite

]]> Installing danger signs to warn pedestrians away from the worksite

]]> Correct.

]]> Incorrect.

]]> Failed.

]]> Not quite. A barrier will isolate the hazard, which is a higher priority than engineering or applying administrative controls such as SWMS instructions and signs.

]]> That’s right. A barrier will isolate the hazard, which is a higher priority than engineering or applying administrative controls such as SWMS instructions and signs.

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