Which principle should be prioritized first in the Hierarchy of Controls?

The principle that should be prioritized first in the Hierarchy of Controls is elimination. This approach focuses on completely removing the hazard from the workplace, which is the most effective means of protecting workers. By eliminating the hazard, there is no risk of exposure, making it the best option for ensuring health and safety.

Elimination directly addresses the root cause of the risk, thereby preventing any potential harm that could arise from it. This is critical in health and safety practices, as it not only protects employees but also minimizes the need for subsequent controls that often require ongoing maintenance, training, and constant vigilance.

In the context of the Hierarchy of Controls, other methods such as substitution, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) follow elimination because they are less effective at addressing the hazard. While substitution can be a useful strategy, it still involves the presence of a hazard, albeit a different one. Engineering controls can help in reducing exposure, but they do not remove the hazard entirely. PPE serves as the last line of defense, protecting workers when hazards cannot be sufficiently mitigated through other means. Thus, elimination is positioned at the top of the hierarchy, signifying its importance in effective health and safety management.