What is the most effective measure in the hierarchy of controls?

The most effective measure in the hierarchy of controls is elimination. This approach involves completely removing the hazard from the workplace. When a hazard is eliminated, the risk associated with it is also removed, leading to the highest level of protection for healthcare workers and patients alike.

For example, if a particular chemical used in laboratory processes poses a significant risk to staff, finding a method that does not require that chemical at all would eliminate not only the risk of exposure but also the need for any protective measures related to that chemical.

This method is universally accepted as the most effective because it addresses the root cause of the risk rather than just minimizing or managing it. Other measures, such as substitution, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE), can reduce exposure or manage risks but do not entirely remove them. Substitution involves replacing a hazardous substance with a less dangerous one, and while it is beneficial, it still maintains some level of hazard. Engineering controls focus on designing safety features into equipment or work processes, which reduces but does not eliminate the risk. Lastly, PPE is the last line of defense; it protects the individual only when all other options have been exhausted. Therefore, elimination is the most effective strategy in ensuring safety.