Hazard prevention

Prevention and control measures

Hazards and risks to workers’ safety and health should be identified and assessed on an ongoing
basis. Preventive and protective measures should be implemented in the following order of
priority:

 eliminate the hazard/risk;

 control the hazard/risk at source, through the use of engineering controls or
organizational measures;
 minimize the hazard/risk by the design of safe work systems, which include
administrative control measures; and
 Where residual hazards/risks cannot be controlled by collective measures, the employer
should provide for appropriate personal protective equipment, including clothing, at no
cost, and should implement measures to ensure its use and maintenance.

Management of change

The impact on OSH of internal changes (such as those in staffing or due to new processes,
working procedures, organizational structures or acquisitions) and of external changes (for
example, as a result of amendments of national laws and regulations, organizational mergers, and
developments in OSH knowledge and technology) should be evaluated and appropriate
preventive steps taken prior to the introduction of changes.

Emergency prevention, preparedness and response

Emergency prevention, preparedness and response arrangements should be established and

maintained. These arrangements should identify the potential for accidents and emergency
situations, and address the prevention of OSH risks associated with them. Quick and effective
action may help to ease the situation and reduce the consequences. However, in emergencies
people are more likely to respond reliably if they:

 are well trained and competent;

 take part in regular and realistic practice;
 have clearly agreed, recorded and rehearsed plans, actions and responsibilities.
 The arrangements should be made according to the size and nature of activity of the
organization.