When it comes to keeping aged care homes safe, you wear many hats. You are a caregiver, a protector, and often a problem solver. One of your most important tools in this role is managing risks to keep everyone healthy and happy. Today, let us talk about a straightforward, step-by-step way to handle risks: the Hierarchy of Control.

Think of the Hierarchy of Control like a ladder you climb when trying to fix safety problems. The higher you go on this ladder, the safer and stronger your protection becomes. In this blog, you will learn how to use this ladder in aged care settings to manage risks, protect your team, and make your workplace safer.

What is the Hierarchy of Control?

Imagine you have a leak in your roof. You could just put a bucket under the drip, or you could fix the roof. The Hierarchy of Control works the same way. It is a list of ways to control or stop risks, ranked from the most powerful solution to the least.

The levels of control you will work through include:

1. Elimination – Removing the hazard completely
   
2. Substitution – Replacing the hazard with something safer.
   
3. Engineering Controls – Changing the equipment or environment to reduce risk.
   
4. Administrative Controls – Changing the way people work or the rules they follow.
   
5. Personal Protective Equipment – Using gear to protect yourself.
   

By following this order, you are more likely to stop risks from hurting someone rather than just covering up the problem.

Why You Should Use the Hierarchy of Control in Aged Care

In aged care, you deal with many risks daily. From slippery floors to heavy lifting, these hazards can cause injuries or worse. Using risk controls based on the Hierarchy of Control helps you tackle these hazards more effectively.

Instead of just putting a warning sign near a wet floor, you try to stop the floor from being wet in the first place. Instead of relying only on gloves or masks, you change the way work is done or the tools used.

This way, the workplace becomes safer for staff and residents alike. It is about taking action that lasts and protects everyone.

Step 1: Eliminate the Hazard

The best way to control a risk is to remove it completely. If you do not have the hazard around, it cannot hurt anyone.

For example, if a certain cleaning chemical causes skin irritation to staff, you try to remove that chemical from your cleaning process. No chemical, no risk!

In aged care, this might mean:

• Stopping the use of harmful products.
  
• Removing broken equipment.
  
• Changing procedures that cause injury.
  

It is not always easy, but it is worth it. You will see the safest workplaces are those where hazards are simply not there anymore.

Step 2: Substitute the Hazard

Sometimes, you cannot get rid of a hazard completely, but you can swap it for something safer.

Think of it like swapping a lemon of a car for a new one. The new car will be safer and more reliable.

In aged care, substitution could look like:

• Using water-based cleaners instead of harsh chemicals.
  
• Choosing lighter equipment for lifting instead of heavy tools.
  
• Changing sharp tools to safer designs.
  

This step reduces risk while still allowing you to get the job done.

Step 3: Engineering Controls

If you cannot remove or substitute the hazard, then you look at engineering controls. This means changing the physical setup to protect people.

For example, if you have slippery floors, installing non-slip mats or handrails can prevent falls.

Other examples include:

• Installing better lighting to see hazards clearly.
  
• Using mechanical lifts to move residents safely.
  
• Adding guards to machinery or equipment.
  

These controls change the environment itself so the hazard is less dangerous.

Step 4: Administrative Controls

When you cannot fix the hazard by removing or changing it, you rely on rules, training, and changes to how people work.

This step is about making sure everyone knows what to do and follows safe ways to work.

Examples include:

• Training staff on safe lifting techniques.
  
• Scheduling regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
  
• Creating clear procedures for cleaning and handling chemicals.
  
• Posting signs to warn about hazards.
  
  

It is like setting traffic rules to keep cars from crashing. These controls work well but depend on people remembering and following the rules.

Step 5: Personal Protective Equipment

The last step is to wear protection. This is your last line of defense.

If you cannot completely remove or control a risk, then personal gear like gloves, masks, or non-slip shoes help protect you.

It is important to remember that PPE:

• Does not remove the hazard.
  
• Can fail if not used correctly.
  
• Should never be your only safety measure.
  

Think of PPE like an umbrella in the rain. It helps keep you dry but does not stop the rain from falling.

Using WHS Tools in Hazard Management in Aged Care

Workplace Health and Safety, or WHS tools, are designed to help you work through the hierarchy of control easily and safely.

Some useful WHS tools include:

• Risk assessment forms to identify and rate hazards.
  
• Checklists for regular inspections.
  
• Training programs to teach staff safe practices.
  
• Incident reporting systems to track and fix issues quickly.
  

Using these tools regularly helps you catch risks early and apply the right level of control. It keeps the whole aged care home running smoothly and safely.

How to Start Applying the Hierarchy of Control

You may wonder how to put all this into practice. Here is a simple approach to get started:

1. Identify the hazard. Look around your workplace and ask: What could cause harm?
   
2. Assess the risk. How serious is the hazard? How likely is someone to get hurt?
   
3. Find controls starting at the top of the hierarchy. Can you eliminate or substitute the hazard?
   
4. Apply controls. Put the chosen measures into action.
   
5. Review the controls regularly. Check if they are working or need changing.
   

Remember, the goal is to stop hazards from causing injury or illness — not just to follow rules on paper.

A Little Story to Remember This

Picture yourself as a gardener trying to protect your plants from pests. You can:

• Pull the weeds out (elimination).
  
• Plant pest-resistant flowers (substitution).
  
• Build a fence around your garden (engineering control).
  
• Check plants daily and spray only when needed (administrative control).
  
• Wear gloves to protect your hands when gardening (personal protective equipment).
  

Just like gardening, keeping aged care safe means picking the best tool for the job — starting with the strongest.

Final Thoughts on Risk Controls in Aged Care

The Hierarchy of Control is your best friend when managing risks in aged care. It gives you a clear plan to follow, helping you make safe choices that protect everyone.

No one wants to deal with accidents or injuries, and no one has to. By applying these control levels step-by-step, you take control of hazards rather than letting them control you.

So, next time you see a risk, think of your safety ladder and climb it. Your team, your residents, and your own peace of mind will thank you.

If you have any questions or want to talk more about hazard management in aged care, feel free to ask. Governa AI is here to support your journey to a safer workplace