are part of the original equipment design.The NIOSH Engineering Controls Database has examples of published engineering control research findings. Engineering controls can include modifying equipment or the workspace, using protective barriers, ventilation, and more. Engineering ControlsĮngineering controls reduce or prevent hazards from coming into contact with workers.

Prevention through Design is an approach to proactively include prevention when designing work equipment, tools, operations, and spaces. Another good opportunity to use elimination and substitution is when selecting new equipment or procedures. At the development stage, elimination and substitution may be the simplest and cheapest option. These methods are best used at the design or development stage of a work process, place, or tool. Įlimination and substitution can be the most difficult actions to adopt into an existing process. Effective substitutes reduce the potential for harmful effects and do not create new risks. This review should consider how the substitute will combine with other agents in the workplace.

When considering a substitute, it’s important to compare the potential new risks of the substitute to the original risks. An example is using plant-based printing inks as a substitute for solvent-based inks. Substitution is using a safer alternative to the source of the hazard. It is the preferred solution to protect workers because no exposure can occur. This could include changing the work process to stop using a toxic chemical, heavy object, or sharp tool.

Elimination removes the hazard at the source.

5 examples of physical changes