Episode 04: Show Notes
Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the intriguing world of workplace safety through the lens of OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls with the brilliant Dr. Alan Hedge. Get ready to unravel the secrets behind the hierarchy of controls as Dr. Hedge presents us with a nuanced understanding and practical application of this essential framework. With a wealth of expertise in ergonomics and human factors, Dr. Hedge brings a unique multifaceted perspective to the table. As a distinguished professor at Cornell University and a renowned researcher in the field, his contributions have greatly influenced our understanding of how to create safe and healthy work environments.
During our conversation, we explore how ergonomic groundwork shapes control hierarchies, optimizes task performance, and the process of personnel selection. We uncover the diverse applications and pitfalls of the approach in various industries. Dr. Hedge critically examines the hierarchy of controls, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Discover aspects to consider, such as risk analysis and the limitations of relying solely on controls for safety. Learn about the significance of skill in the workplace and bridging the gap between experts and novices for enhanced productivity. Dr. Hedge also provides advice and recommendations on various aspects, including data acquisition, job design, risk analysis, administrative controls, and observational tools for comprehensive hazard identification. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the hierarchy of controls and learn how to optimize safety interventions in your own workplace with Dr. Alan Hedge!
Key Points From This Episode:
[01:55] How ergonomic groundwork shapes our perspective on and utilization of control hierarchies.
The significance of ergonomics in job design, personnel selection, and optimizing task performance. We also highlight how the hierarchy of controls prioritizes risk mitigation rather than exerting control over the system, specifically in reducing the likelihood of injuries.
[11:43] Exploring the various applications and misapplications of the hierarchy of controls.
How the hierarchy of controls is utilized across diverse industries and contexts, while also highlighting common pitfalls or misunderstandings that can lead to ineffective or misguided control strategies.
[19:48] The pros and cons of each level of the hierarchy of controls pyramid in practice.
We unpack the advantages and disadvantages of elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment, and shed light on their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential limitations in real-world scenarios.
[30:50] Outline of the various factors that need to be considered when applying the hierarchy of controls.
Factors that require consideration when applying the hierarchy of controls, specifically the significance of risk analysis and well-established processes in preventing and minimizing risks. Hear about the limitations of the hierarchy of controls in achieving comprehensive safety and why the notion of relying solely on its implementation as an assurance of complete safety is not recommended.
[38:12] Why the concept of skill is fundamental in the workplace.
Understanding the concept of skill is crucial in the workplace as it enables the distinction between skilled individuals and novices. By studying how experts execute tasks and utilizing that knowledge to train novices, organizations can bridge the gap between skill and training, leading to enhanced performance and productivity.
[42:15] Recommendations for leveraging the OSHA Hierarchy of Controls effectively.
Acquiring data and incorporating job design are essential first steps in the process and their significance in effectively managing workplace safety should be recognized. Hear about the crucial role of conducting a risk analysis, implementing administrative controls, and utilizing observational tools to ensure comprehensive hazard identification and control.
Longer Quotes:
“You have to be really careful about your engineering controls and figuring out, ‘How good are those controls, and are they giving you the right kind of information?’ We have a number of instances, particularly in aviation, where people have ended up doing what they thought was the right thing but because the system was giving them the wrong information.” — Dr. Alan Hedge [0:21:49]
“[Personal Protective Equipment] is the most effective if you do things appropriately in terms of reducing risk. But you have to be able to analyze it appropriately and then determine a good strategy to intervene, and then put a process in place that continuously reinforces that strategy.” — Dr. Alan Hedge [0:28:26]
Links & Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA: The Hierarchy of Controls