Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

In hazard control, what is the first action one should take if feasible?

1. Use PPE

2. Substitution

3. Elimination

4. Administrative controls

The correct answer is: Elimination

In the hierarchy of hazard controls, elimination is the most effective action one can take. This approach involves completely removing the hazard from the workplace or environment, thereby entirely mitigating any associated risks to workers. If a hazard can be eliminated, it means that there is no longer any chance of it causing harm, which is the ideal scenario in safety management. After elimination, the focus would typically shift to other control measures such as substitution, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE), but none of these methods can match the effectiveness of completely removing the hazard. This is why elimination is prioritized as the first action when feasible in hazard control practices. By starting with elimination, organizations can ensure the highest level of safety for their workers, minimizing the potential for injuries or incidents related to hazards that have been removed entirely.