What are two common administrative controls used to reduce risk?

• A. Training and work practice changes (e.g., job rotation, scheduling).
• B. Personal protective equipment (PPE) used at the point of use.
• C. Engineering controls such as machine guards.
• D. Written safety policy only.

Answer: (A)

Administrative controls reduce risk by changing how work is performed, not by altering the hazard itself or by relying on protective gear alone. Two common examples are training and work-practice changes, such as job rotation or scheduling adjustments. Training builds hazard awareness, teaches safe methods, and ensures people know how to perform tasks safely. Work-practice changes modify the way tasks are carried out to limit exposure, fatigue, or repetitive stress—like rotating tasks to reduce repetitive motion or staggering shifts to reduce burnout.

PPE used at the point of use is important but is a separate category that protective equipment falls into, rather than an administrative control. Engineering controls, such as machine guards, physically reduce or remove the hazard itself and therefore aren’t administrative controls either. A written safety policy alone provides guidance but doesn’t actively reduce risk without accompanying training and changes in how tasks are performed.