Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) has made significant advancements in providing accessible resources for OHS professionals. As part of our commitment to enhancing knowledge sharing, we are pleased to introduce the BOK Audio Chapters. Developed as a response to the need for a comprehensive understanding of work-related safety and health, the OHS Body of Knowledge for Generalist OHS Professionals (OHS BoK) is now available in an audio format, allowing you to conveniently access the chapters anywhere, anytime. With the AIHS taking ownership of the publication, the BOK Audio Chapters undergo continuous maintenance and development, ensuring they reflect the latest OHS research and practices. Join us in fostering a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace by accessing the BOK Audio Chapters and empowering yourself with essential knowledge.
Upon registering, you will be able to access the audio chapters via your learning platform.
Chapter 34.1: Prevention and Intervention
Hazard and risk control to prevent work-related fatality, injury, disease and ill health is the core objective of the OHS professional. While there is a legislative requirement to control risks in the workplace, the approach should go beyond mere compliance. Control of hazards and risk is not necessarily an easy or straightforward task. While the methods of controlling individual hazards such as chemicals and noise are well understood, there are many workplace injuries and disorders that have multiple causes, and there are different approaches to control. This chapter addresses key principles of control, including hierarchies of control, time-sequence approaches, requisite variety, barriers and defences, the precautionary principle and the sociotechnical systems approach. A brief discussion of two control strategies – safe design and behavioural-based safety – is followed by consideration of the implications for OHS practice. The chapter emphasises the role of the OHS professional as an organisational change agent, rather than just a risk-management technician.
Keywords: control, barriers, defences, hierarchy of control, safe design, systems
First year of publication: 2012
Current Version: 2019
The written chapter can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.ohsbok.org.au/(link is external)
Chapter 34.1: Prevention and Intervention (n.d.). The OHS Body of Knowledge. https://www.ohsbok.org.au/chapter-34-1-control-prevention-and-intervention/
Course Details
Cost: AIHS Members $27.50 | Non Members $49.50
Format: Audio Chapter
CPD Points: 1
