New White Paper Discusses the Hierarchy of Controls as a Risk Management Tool

By Abby Roberts

The hierarchy of controls (HoC) is one of the most familiar concepts in occupational and environmental health and safety, particularly in the “inverted pyramid” model used by NIOSH. But the NIOSH model is only one version of a flexible concept. A new white paper by AIHA, titled “Hierarchy of Controls,” outlines variations on the HoC and guides readers in implementing the HoC at their workplaces. The white paper shows how OEHS professionals can customize the HoC model to identify controls that will keep workers safe and healthy. If OEHS professionals implement the HoC during the design of new processes or products, the white paper explains, they may be able to eliminate hazards before any workers are harmed.

NIOSH’s model ranks five control strategy types from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). NIOSH explains that elimination, substitution, and engineering control strategies, which do not require significant human interaction, are more effective than administrative controls and PPE, which require continuous efforts from workers and supervisors.

Variants on this model outlined in AIHA’s white paper include one used by EPA in guidance for facilities in the risk management program, one developed by NIOSH for the agency’s Total Worker Health (TWH) approach, and one by AIHA’s PR(IH)DE Special Interest Group. The EPA model is generally preferred by process safety experts for managing extremely hazardous substances. The TWH HoC model helps users prioritize policies, programs, and practices that will increase workers’ well-being. The PR(IH)DE variant focuses on protecting workers who belong to the LGBTQ+ community and exemplifies how the HoC can be modified to address specific worker groups or workplace hazards.

The white paper also covers models developed by researchers and standards-setting organizations, including variants for machine safety and ergonomics. All models agree that it is better to prevent hazards from being introduced to the workplace than to implement changes later.

OEHS professionals can use the white paper as a resource to select a model that best fits the needs of their organization, which they can then use as a tool to prioritize risk management strategies. The white paper may be downloaded as a PDF from AIHA’s website.

AIHA and dBase Media Launch Second Season of OEHS Docuseries AIHA has launched a new season of the “Healthier Workplaces, A Healthier World” docuseries. The series explores the field of occupational and environmental health and safety and OEHS professionals’ impact on keeping workers healthy and safe.

“Healthier Workplaces, A Healthier World” raises awareness of the many facets of creating safe and healthy work environments while highlighting innovations taking place in the field. The series features interviews with leaders in the OEHS field, who discuss advancements in safety equipment, the growing role of technology, and the crucial importance of training and education for protecting a diverse workforce.

AIHA developed this series in collaboration with dBase Media, a production company based in the Washington, D.C. area, and with other organizations shaping the field of OEHS. Through the expertise of industry leaders and prominent academics, “Healthier Workplaces, A Healthier World” focuses on a science-based approach to protecting workers from occupational hazards. The docuseries may be viewed on AIHA's website.

Congrats to Student Poster Winners This year’s best-in-show winners for student posters were revealed at AIHA Connect 2024 in May. Lauren Sherman received gold for “Examining the Predictive Potential of the SDM 2.0 for Chemical Concentrations and Exposure Control Categories through Comparative Analysis with Data.” Sherman recently completed a Master of Science in environmental health at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Megan McMahan received silver for “Development of a Dual-Air Purifying Respirator: Evaluating the Performance of Activated Carbon Fiber for Filtration Efficiency and VOC Adsorption,” and Nathan Chen received bronze for “Association Between Lifetime Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) Exposure and Finger Blood Flow (FBF) among Grounds Maintenance Industry Workers in Southeastern U.S.” McMahan and Chen are both PhD candidates at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The winners received certificates, $50 Amazon gift cards, and ribbons to display on their posters.

Register to Attend Prestigious Dermal Conference AIHA is hosting the Occupational and Environmental Exposures of Skin to Chemicals Conference from Sept. 23 to 25 in Dulles, Virgnia. OEESC is the leading international conference on skin exposure to chemicals, bringing together professionals to exchange ideas, network, and discuss current issues.

As of mid-July, the keynote speakers and topics included Todd Niemeier of NIOSH on dermal risk assessment, Johan du Plessis of North-West University on dermal exposures in additive manufacturing, and Jerry Kasting of the University of Cincinnati on percutaneous penetration. For more information or to register, visit the AIHA website.

In Memoriam Andrew Thurman Armstrong II, PhD, passed away on March 7, 2024. He was senior vice president of Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, which he cofounded in 1981 with Kay Armstrong, his wife. He was the first person to describe the use of high-resolution capillary column gas chromatography to identify ignitable fluids in fire debris. He received the White Helmet Award from the City of Arlington, Texas, Fire Department in 1977 and the College of Science Teacher of the Year Award in 1976 as an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington. Armstrong was also a member of the American Institute of Chemistry and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. His full obituary may be read on the University of Texas at Arlington website.

Angela Windau, CIH, passed away on Nov. 10, 2023. She was the chief of NASA Glenn Research Center’s Occupational Health Branch. Angela served in several safety and health leadership roles throughout her career, including as ARES 1-X lead safety engineer and as lead technical advisor for facilities system safety and lifting devices and equipment. She received several NASA awards for her work, including the Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2010 and Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2021. Her team is grateful for the strength and guidance she provided and will always remember how deeply she cared for people. Her full obituary may be read on the website of the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home.

Accolades Barry Scott, CIH, is retiring after 30 years of service as risk manager for the City of Philadelphia. He led Philadelphia through several unique safety situations, including national conventions for both major political parties, a visit from Pope Francis, and radiation exposures from a discarded radium needle found in a cabinet. Scott is also a member of AIHA’s Philadelphia Local Section. Learn more from the Risk & Insurance website.

Apexa Thaker, MIHS, ICertOH, has received the Occupational Hygiene Training Association’s 2024 Sue Davies Award. Thaker manages EHS programs for Zydus Hospira Oncology in Ahmedabad, India. OHTA gives the Sue Davies Award to the highest-performing student to achieve the International Certificate in Occupational Hygiene who lives in a country considered an emerging or developing economy. Read more on OHTA's website.

Jane Thomason, CIH, has been invited to join CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Thomason is the lead industrial hygienist at National Nurses United (NNU) and a corresponding member of AIHA’s Healthcare Working Group. HICPAC is currently updating CDC’s Isolation Precautions guidance for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Learn more from the NNU website.

Salary Calculator Launched June 14 The AIHA Salary and Compensation Calculator is now available. On June 14, Vault Consulting emailed AIHA members their unique usernames and passwords for the calculator. The calculator data was collected from OEHS professionals as part of AIHA’s 2023 Salary and Compensation Survey, cosponsored by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing. Visit AIHA's website for details.

AIHA’s AI Usage Policy for Members, Volunteers AIHA’s policy for responsible usage of artificial intelligence tools is intended to ensure that AI is used ethically and in alignment with AIHA’s mission and values while maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. Download the guidelines as a PDF.

Submit Proposals for AIHA Connect 2025 AIHA Connect 2025 will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. AIHA is accepting proposals for professional development courses, educational sessions, case studies, scientific research, and poster presentations. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 11, 2024.

Your Help Needed: Surveys for Waterborne Pathogen Training, OEHS Demand AIHA has launched a survey to identify the educational needs, gaps in current knowledge, and training preferences among professionals whose work involves protecting employees and communities from waterborne pathogens. The survey will remain open until Aug. 15.

A separate survey is intended to assess OEHS hiring trends in the United States. Because the survey should be completed by individuals who hire OEHS professionals, please share the survey link with your employers and clients.

Dates and Deadlines Sept. 1 Deadline to beta test the revised IHSTAT tool.

Sept. 9–10 AIHA Rocky Mountain Section’s 30th Annual Fall Technical Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Sept. 11 Deadline to submit proposals for AIHA Connect 2025.

Sept. 17, Oct. 22, and Nov. 19 AIHA University Three-Part Occupational Toxicology Webinar Series: Mechanisms of Action, Safety Data Sheet Communication, and Hazard Prioritization.

Sept. 17–Nov. 21 Virtual Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Review Course. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12–2 p.m. Eastern time, cosponsored by the University of Michigan and the Michigan Industrial Hygiene Society.

Oct. 15–17 PSX 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

For a complete list of events, visit AIHA's website.