Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 2:HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTFOR “GRASSROOTS” MEMBERS3. If a hazard cannot be prevented through elimination or substitutionconsider control options, in the following order:Technical/engineering control enclosure isolation ventilationSafe systems of work changing work schedules extending rest periods training and informationIssuing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)But only as a last resort to supplement other control measures listedabove. For example:coverallsmasksrespiratorsgoggles bootsOther Methods general cleanliness of the workplace personal hygiene and care medical health surveillance Responsibility for HS&ETU approachto HS&EAs you have seen from the previous activity on priority hazards, the tradeunion focus should be upon prevention and control, through riskassessment and management. It is important to recognise that there is astep by step approach to prevention and control as listed above, whichshould be followed in the order laid down. Personal protective equipmentis often the only measure offered by employers. It is in fact the leasteffective method of protection and should only be used as a last resort tosupplement prevention and control measures.42 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers