Page 27 - Powered Industrial Trucks

The Hierarchy of Health & Safety Controls

A heated debate often occurs between labor and management in the health and safety arena that is sometimes
referred to as the “Do we fix the workplace or the worker?” issue.

Management’s tendency, given its focus on workers’ behavior and short-term cost reduction, is to argue for
“fixing the worker” solutions: protective gear and discipline for failure to follow procedures. The Union
considers this to be “blaming the victim” and advocates for solutions that “fix the workplace.”

Research indicates that the latter approach is actually more effective and less expensive in the long run. One
reason is that human behavior can never be completely regulated and controlled, so solutions based on
compliance with procedures will always lead to mishaps. Machine controls and replacement of hazardous
materials are much more capable of guaranteeing safety and health. The UAW’s and OSHA’s analysis of
control effectiveness is captured in the graph below.

MOST 1. Elimination or • substitute for hazardous material
•
change process to eliminate noise
EFFECTIVE Substitution • perform task at ground level
•
automated material handling
• ventilation systems
• machine guarding
↓ 2. Engineering • sound enclosures
circuit breakers
•
Controls
•
• platforms and guard railing
interlocks
• lift tables, conveyors, balancers
• computer warnings
• odor in natural gas
↓ 3. Warnings • signs
back-up alarms
•
• beepers
• horns
• labels
• Safe job procedures
↓ 4. Training & • Safety equipment inspections
Hazard Communications Training
•
Procedures
•
• Lock-out
Confined Space Entry, etc.
LEAST 5. Personal Protective • safety glasses
ear plugs
•
EFFECTIVE Equipment • face shields
safety harnesses and lanyards
•
• knee pads

1. What is the most effective way to fix “blind corners?

2. What is the most effective way to keep pedestrians from walking out in front or behind you as an operator?

3. What is the most effective way to enforce the speed limit of a powered industrial truck?

27