NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorGeneral RequirementsMedium
A general contractor is overseeing the construction of a new commercial retail center. During a routine safety inspection, an OSHA inspector identifies several fall hazards, including unprotected leading edges and open floor holes. Which of the following is the MOST effective and preferred method, according to OSHA's hierarchy of controls, for mitigating these fall hazards?
- AInstalling guardrail systems or covers over floor openings.
- BProviding all workers with personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) and training.
- CPosting warning signs around the hazardous areas.
- DImplementing a 'buddy system' to watch out for unsafe conditions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Installing guardrail systems or covers over floor openings.
OSHA's hierarchy of controls prioritizes elimination and engineering controls. Installing guardrails or covers are engineering controls that physically remove or reduce the hazard, making them more effective than administrative controls or PPE.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. PFAS are personal protective equipment (PPE), which is lower on the hierarchy of controls.
- C. Warning signs are administrative controls, which are the least effective control measure.
- D. A 'buddy system' is an administrative control, less effective than engineering controls.
OSHA Hierarchy of Controls
A system used by OSHA to determine how to implement feasible and effective controls for hazards, prioritizing elimination and substitution.
- Ranks controls from most effective to least effective.
- Includes Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE.
- Aims to remove the hazard at the source whenever possible.
Memory trick: Eliminate, Substitute, Engineer, Administer, Protect – ESCAPE!