01/07/2025
“Elimination vs Substitution – What’s the Real Difference?”
"Both are proactive, but not the same!
✅ Elimination removes the hazard completely.
🔁 Substitution replaces it with something safer.
Example:
❌ Manual blade cutting ➡️ ✅ Automated cutting machine (Elimination)
❌ Using benzene ➡️ ✅ Using toluene (Substitution)
“Top 3 Engineering Controls You See Every Day”
"Engineering controls are silent protectors in many workplaces. Can you spot these?
🔧 Machine guarding
🌬️ Local exhaust ventilation
🧱 Barriers and enclosures
They don’t rely on workers to act, which makes them more effective than signs or PPE!
“Why PPE is the LAST Line of Defense”
"Think PPE is enough? Think again.
⚠ PPE is essential — but it doesn't eliminate the hazard.
It only reduces exposure if worn properly, consistently, and maintained well.
That’s why it’s at the bottom of the Hierarchy of Controls.
“Real-life Examples from a Warehouse / Construction Site”
Caption:
"In a warehouse setting:
🛑 Elimination: Remove faulty forklifts
🔄 Substitution: Replace manual lifting with pallet jacks
🔧 Engineering: Guardrails on high platforms
🧾 Admin: Shift rotation to avoid fatigue
🧤 PPE: Gloves, boots, high-vis
Applying the Hierarchy makes workplaces safer step by step.
🔺 Safety Control Hierarchy (also called Hierarchy of Controls)
The Hierarchy of Controls is a system used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards. It's structured from most effective to least effective control measures.
🛡️ Levels of the Hierarchy:
Elimination – Remove the hazard completely
e.g., Automating a dangerous process
Substitution – Replace the hazard with something less risky
e.g., Using a less toxic chemical
Engineering Controls – Isolate people from the hazard
e.g., Guardrails, machine guards, ventilation systems
Administrative Controls – Change the way people work
e.g., Training, procedures, signage, work rotation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Protect the worker with gear
e.g., Helmets, gloves, goggles
