Which type of control measure is designed to reduce or eliminate a hazard at its source?

Engineering controls are specifically aimed at reducing or eliminating hazards at their source. This type of control involves modifying equipment, processes, or the environment to remove the hazard or to place a barrier between the worker and the hazard. For example, installing ventilation systems to remove airborne contaminants or using machine guards to prevent accidents are both considered engineering controls. By addressing the hazard directly rather than relying on individuals to modify their behavior or using protective equipment, engineering controls tend to provide a more effective and lasting solution to workplace safety issues.

In contrast, personal protective equipment (PPE) focuses on protecting the worker after exposure to a hazard, making it a last line of defense rather than a preventative measure. Administrative controls involve changes in procedures or policies to reduce exposure, which may not eliminate the hazard itself. Similarly, behavioral controls focus on modifying behaviors or practices to reduce risks but do not eliminate the inherent hazard. Thus, while all types of controls play a role in occupational safety, engineering controls are unique in their capacity to tackle the source of the hazard directly.