In the Hierarchy of Control, which option is considered the last resort?

In the Hierarchy of Control, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered the last resort because it is a method employed to protect individuals after all other control measures have been implemented or deemed insufficient. The Hierarchy of Control prioritizes strategies for managing hazards, starting with the most effective methods at the top.

At the top of this hierarchy is the elimination of the hazard, which involves completely removing the risk from the workplace. This is the most effective means of ensuring safety. Following elimination are engineering controls, which involve the redesign of processes or equipment to reduce or eliminate exposure. Administrative controls, which include changes to policies or procedures, come next, as they help reduce risk through better practices or schedules.

PPE is essential for ensuring individual safety but relies on individuals consistently using it correctly. It does not eliminate the hazard itself, nor does it reduce the likelihood of exposure as effectively as the higher-level controls. Therefore, it is classified as the last resort within the hierarchy, underscoring the importance of implementing more effective hazard management strategies whenever possible.