The hierarchy of control is a six-stage method of control measures you can use to eliminate or reduce risks in the workplace.

Start at the top of the hierarchy and consider whether it is feasible to eliminate a hazard altogether before working your way down to less effective measures that reduce the risk but do not eliminate it.

Sometimes a combination of controls can be used.

Caution: The administration and PPE stages are the lowest stages of the hierarchy of control and should not be used exclusively to control risk. These lower stages assist in the control of risk but are rarely sufficient or thorough enough if used alone.

It is vital to remember the progression of control measures, as there can be a temptation to jump to the control measure that is the easiest to implement. Instead, you should construct an action plan that aims to eliminate the hazard and control the problem most effectively in the long term.