When should control measures be implemented?

When should control measures be implemented?

• A. After starting work
• B. Before starting work and as new hazards arise
• C. Only at the end of the project
• D. Whenever someone approves it

Answer: (B)

Implementing control measures before work starts and updating them as new hazards are identified keeps people safe by addressing risks at the source and adapting to changing conditions. Planning ahead allows you to apply the chosen controls—elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures, and PPE—before anyone is exposed, and you can revise those controls whenever new information or hazards appear. Waiting until work has begun lets hazards affect workers and potentially cause harm, so preventive actions should not be delayed. Ending the project without establishing protections misses the purpose of risk management, and leaving protections to depend on someone’s approval introduces unnecessary delays and variability. In practice, proactive, ongoing implementation from the outset and as hazards arise is the correct approach.

Implementing control measures before work starts and updating them as new hazards are identified keeps people safe by addressing risks at the source and adapting to changing conditions. Planning ahead allows you to apply the chosen controls—elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures, and PPE—before anyone is exposed, and you can revise those controls whenever new information or hazards appear. Waiting until work has begun lets hazards affect workers and potentially cause harm, so preventive actions should not be delayed. Ending the project without establishing protections misses the purpose of risk management, and leaving protections to depend on someone’s approval introduces unnecessary delays and variability. In practice, proactive, ongoing implementation from the outset and as hazards arise is the correct approach.