Administrative control

Administrative controls are modifications or changes to work practices or behaviors in order to reduce the severity of impact from hazards or hazardous operations. This category of control relies more on worker compliance (e.g., factory floor workers) and often does not offer permanent solutions to control hazards in workplaces.

In the hierarchy of hazard controls, administrative controls lies 4th below engineering controls and above personal protective equipment in terms of the effectiveness and efficiency of hazard controls ranking. They should be used after elimination, substitution and engineering controls have already been implemented / considered or as an extra layer of protection from hazards. Some agencies add isolation as a step to their hierarchy of controls, with that level also needing consideration prior to administrative controls. The reasoning for lower effectiveness is that success in reducing hazards relies on individuals following rules, procedures, and/or training, all of which are still susceptible to human error, while levels above it reduce the impact of human error.

Administrative controls are more effective than PPE because they involve some manner of prior planning and avoidance, whereas PPE serves only as a final barrier between the hazard and worker. Administrative controls are second lowest because they require workers or employers to actively think or comply with regulations and do not offer permanent solutions to problems. Generally, administrative controls are cheaper to begin, but they may become more expensive over time as higher failure rates and the need for constant training or re-certification outweigh the initial investments of the three more desirable hazard controls in the hierarchy. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends administrative controls when hazards cannot be removed or changed, and engineering controls are not practical.