Choose a stronger control than PPE when higher-order controls are feasible.
The NIOSH hierarchy ranks controls by how much they depend on people doing the right thing every time. Elimination and substitution remove or reduce the hazard at the source. Engineering controls isolate people from the hazard. Administrative controls reduce exposure through rules, timing, or training. PPE protects the person but requires selection, fit, availability, condition, training, and consistent use. PPE is sometimes necessary, especially while stronger controls are being built, but it is a weak first answer when exposure can be removed or blocked. Good safety management asks, "Can we design the exposure out?" before asking people to remember protective…
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