Administrative controls

Administrative controls are a type of risk management strategy used in organizations to mitigate potential hazards. These controls are typically implemented through established policies, procedures, and training programs. They are an essential part of an organization's overall safety management system and are often used in conjunction with other types of controls such as engineering controls and personal protective equipment.

Definition

Administrative controls are defined as the procedures and methods that are designed and implemented by an organization to help manage the risk of potential hazards. These controls do not remove the hazards but aim to limit or prevent workers' exposure to these hazards. They are often used when hazards cannot be eliminated or when other types of controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection.

Types of Administrative Controls

There are several types of administrative controls that an organization can implement. These include:

• Work Practices: These are specific procedures and guidelines that workers must follow when performing their tasks. They are designed to minimize exposure to hazards.

• Training Programs: These programs educate workers about the hazards they may encounter in their work environment and how to protect themselves.

• Scheduling Changes: These changes can include rotating workers through different tasks to limit their exposure to certain hazards or scheduling maintenance and other high-risk activities during times when fewer workers are present.

• Preventive Maintenance: Regular maintenance of equipment and machinery can help prevent malfunctions that could lead to hazards.

Implementation

The implementation of administrative controls requires a thorough understanding of the work environment, the tasks being performed, and the potential hazards. It often involves a risk assessment to identify and evaluate hazards, followed by the development of specific policies and procedures to control these hazards. Training is also a critical component of administrative controls, as workers need to be aware of the controls and how to apply them.

Limitations

While administrative controls can be effective in managing hazards, they have some limitations. They do not eliminate hazards and rely on worker behavior, which can be inconsistent. Therefore, they are often used in combination with other control strategies.

See Also

• Risk management
• Safety management system
• Engineering controls
• Personal protective equipment

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