The hierarchy of risk control is a structured framework used to determine the most effective way to manage risks. It helps organisations prioritise control measures based on how effectively they eliminate or reduce hazards.
While the hierarchy of risk control is commonly associated with workplace health and safety, it can also inform broader risk management decisions across strategy, operations and compliance. By applying the risk control hierarchy, organisations can allocate resources appropriately and implement controls that align with their risk appetite and overall objectives.
Key Takeaways:
- The hierarchy of risk control ranks control measures from most effective to least effective.
- Eliminating hazards is the most effective control, while personal protective equipment is the least reliable.
- Applying the risk control hierarchy strengthens compliance, improves decision making and supports effective risk management.
What Is the Hierarchy of Risk Control
The hierarchy of risk control, sometimes referred to as the risk control hierarchy, is a framework used to evaluate and prioritise control measures.
It ranks controls in the following order:
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
This structure ensures organisations focus on the most effective methods of reducing risk before relying on lower level controls.
The hierarchy is widely used in workplace safety and WHS legislation, but the principles can also support enterprise risk management and governance frameworks.
The Five Levels of Risk Control Hierarchy
Understanding the five levels of the hierarchy of risk control is critical to applying it effectively.
1. Elimination
Elimination removes the hazard entirely. This is the most effective risk control because the risk no longer exists.
Example: Removing a hazardous chemical from a production process instead of attempting to manage exposure.
If a hazard can be eliminated, no further controls are required.
2. Substitution
Substitution replaces the hazard with a safer alternative.
Example: Replacing toxic materials with less harmful substances or using safer equipment.
While substitution reduces risk, it may still introduce residual hazards that require further controls.
3. Engineering Controls
Engineering controls isolate people from hazards through physical or mechanical solutions.
Examples include:
- Machine guarding
- Ventilation systems
- Safety barriers
- Automated processes
Engineering controls are more reliable than administrative controls because they do not rely solely on human behaviour.
4. Administrative Controls
Administrative controls change the way people work to reduce exposure to hazards.
Examples include:
- Policies and procedures
- Training programs
- Safe work instructions
- Supervision and scheduling
Administrative controls are important but are less effective than elimination, substitution or engineering controls because they rely on consistent human compliance.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment protects individuals from exposure but does not remove the hazard itself.
Examples include:
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Respirators
Because PPE depends heavily on correct use and ongoing compliance, it is considered the least effective level in the risk control hierarchy. Learn more about how personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, shoes and boots fit into broader risk management strategies in our guide to PPE in workplace safety.
Why the Hierarchy of Risk Control Is Important
An organisation should focus on risk controls because risks can significantly impact operations, reputation, financial performance and safety.
Applying the hierarchy of risk control:
- Protects the organisation from financial losses and liabilities
- Improves decision making by prioritising effective controls
- Supports compliance with laws, regulations and standards
- Enhances stakeholder confidence
In highly regulated sectors, including local government, aged care and education, structured application of the risk control hierarchy helps demonstrate good governance and due diligence. In Australia, workplace health and safety legislation requires organisations to apply the hierarchy of control when managing hazards, as outlined by regulators such as WorkSafe Victoria.
Control Effectiveness in the Risk Control Hierarchy
Control effectiveness refers to how well a control reduces the likelihood or consequence of a risk.
The effectiveness of risk controls can be evaluated through:
- Risk reduction – measuring the extent to which controls reduce likelihood or impact.
- Cost-benefit analysis – comparing implementation costs against potential risk reduction.
- Compliance alignment – ensuring controls meet legal and regulatory requirements.
- Adaptability – assessing whether controls remain effective as the risk environment changes.
Regular evaluation and review of controls ensure that the hierarchy of risk control is applied appropriately and remains effective over time. Many organisations use dedicated compliance management software to monitor obligations, demonstrate due diligence and ensure controls remain aligned with applicable legislation.
Types of Risk Controls in Practice
Organisations typically implement different types of controls depending on their risk profile.
Preventive Controls
Preventive controls aim to stop risks from occurring.
Examples include:
- Safety training
- Equipment maintenance
- Cybersecurity safeguards
Detective Controls
Detective controls identify risks that have already occurred.
Examples include:
- Internal audits
- Monitoring systems
- Intrusion detection systems
Corrective Controls
Corrective controls mitigate the impact of risks once identified.
Examples include:
- Data backups
- Business continuity plans
- Crisis management procedures
These controls may operate across different levels of the risk control hierarchy depending on their design and purpose.
How Skefto Supports the Risk Control Hierarchy
Organisations can use Skefto’s risk management software to categorise controls according to hierarchy levels, assign control owners and monitor control effectiveness across the organisation.
With Skefto, organisations can:
- Categorise controls according to hierarchy levels
- Assign control owners and responsibilities
- Monitor control effectiveness
- Automate review workflows
- Align risk controls with compliance obligations
- Generate dashboards and reports for governance oversight
This ensures risk control hierarchy principles are embedded into daily operations and strategic decision making
Skefto enables organisations to apply the hierarchy of risk control within a structured governance and risk management framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hierarchy of risk control
The hierarchy of risk control is a framework that ranks risk control measures from most effective to least effective, prioritising elimination and substitution over administrative controls and PPE.
What is the purpose of the risk control hierarchy
The purpose of the risk control hierarchy is to ensure organisations implement the most effective controls first rather than relying on weaker measures.
How does the hierarchy of risk control apply to workplace safety
In workplace safety, the hierarchy ensures hazards are eliminated or engineered out before administrative controls or PPE are used. Organisations often support this process using structured WHS software to manage hazard identification, incident reporting, control implementation and ongoing compliance with safety regulations.
What is the difference between risk control and risk management
Risk management is the broader process of identifying, assessing and managing risks. Risk control refers specifically to the measures implemented to reduce or eliminate those risks.
