What does the "Hierarchy of Controls" establish?

The "Hierarchy of Controls" is an essential framework used in occupational health and safety to prioritize the methods of mitigating hazards in the workplace. This approach categorizes control measures from the most effective solutions to less effective ones, emphasizing proactive measures to eliminate or reduce risks.

Utilizing the hierarchy helps safety professionals and decision-makers evaluate potential interventions in a systematic way. The order of effectiveness typically moves from elimination or substitution of hazards to engineering controls, administrative actions, and finally personal protective equipment. By following this structured approach, organizations can focus their resources on the solutions that will have the most significant impact on reducing hazards, thereby enhancing workplace safety and health.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of the hierarchy. Performance metrics, workplace injuries, and employee promotions are not relevant to the systematic approach of managing risks and hazards, which is the primary foundation of the "Hierarchy of Controls."