Administrative Controls

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are measures implemented to reduce workplace hazards by modifying work practices and procedures. They involve changes in how work is performed, such as implementing safety policies, training programs, and job rotation. Unlike elimination controls or engineering controls, administrative controls don't physically alter the hazard itself, but rather change worker behavior and exposure to reduce risk. The primary aim of these administrative controls is to provide a safe working environment and promote a work safety culture.

Examples of administrative controls include:

• Training: Workers should be trained to identify hazards, monitor hazard exposure, and safe procedures for working around the hazard. Additionally, employees should know how to protect themselves and their co-workers.
• Scheduling: Work schedules should be adjusted to minimize exposure to hazards. For instance, scheduling tasks during specific times or rotating workers to limit their time in hazardous areas. 
• Safe Work Procedures: The steps in a job process may need to be rearranged or updated to keep the worker for encountering the hazard. Developing standardized safe work practices is an important step.
• Maintenance: Having a maintenance schedule for machines known to be hazardous can keep everything running smoothly and safely. Preventive maintenance will address any equipment issues before they become a problem.
• Housekeeping: Sustaining a clean and clutter-free space will greatly reduce the risk of injury and can minimize the severity of an accident.
• Warning Signs: Wall signs and floor signs can be posted or installed to enforce administrative controls. Visual cues can remind workers which areas are prohibited from entering, when breaks need to be taken to limit heat exposure, and much more.
• Supervision: Adequate supervision should be provided to ensure workers adhere to established procedures and safety protocols.
• Written Policies and Procedures: Written policies and procedures related to safety, hazard communication, and emergency response should be developed and implemented.

Benefits of Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are beneficial for workplace safety and efficiency and help minimize hazards and improve overall operations. These controls can reduce accidents and injuries, enhance employee well-being, and promote regulatory compliance. Administrative Controls also offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness, allowing organizations to adapt to various situations and implement safety measures without significant upfront investment.

Key Elements for Effective Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are crucial for a secure and efficient organization. Their effectiveness depends on a comprehensive approach encompassing a strong safety culture, clear procedures, thorough training, and consistent enforcement. These factors work together to minimize hazards and ensure employees understand and adhere to established protocols.

Administrative Controls and Safety Management

Administrative controls are a crucial component of a comprehensive safety management system. They involve establishing policies, procedures, and programs to prevent accidents and injuries. While they might not physically eliminate hazards, they play a vital role in managing risk and ensuring a safe working environment.

Additional Administrative Controls facts:

• Administrative controls are a type of hazard control that aim to improve safety within the workplace by putting in place policies and rules that reduce the occupational risk faced by workers via altering the way their work is performed. Source: https://www.safeopedia.com/definition/5109/administrative-controls
• Administrative controls are one of the five levels of actions in the hierarchy of controls, which is a way of determining which actions will best control exposures to hazards in the workplace. The preferred order of action based on general effectiveness is: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment (PPE). Source: https://www.marshmma.com/us/insights/details/the-5-levels-of-hazard-control.html
• Some examples of administrative controls are: training programs, work rotation, break policies, exposure monitoring, restricted access, operating procedures, emergency protocols, preventive maintenance, housekeeping policies, shift design, communication protocols, and safety signage. Source: https://www.hseblog.com/administrative-controls/
• Administrative controls can be more flexible and cheaper to implement initially than engineering controls or PPE, but they require consistent reinforcement, monitoring, and sometimes retraining to remain effective over time. Source: https://www.hseblog.com/administrative-controls/