ASHLEY. T.

SIMANGO
N02220685V

1. Discuss the hierarchy of risk control.

The Hierarchy of risk control is a framework that helps prioritize the implementation of risk
control measures from most to least effective:
I. Elimination.
II. Substitution.
III. Engineering controls.
IV. Administration controls.
V. Personal protective equipment (PPE).
The approach provides a structured approach to reducing risk and ensures that higher-level, more
effective controls are implemented first before relying on least effective measures.
I. Elimination.
The most effective way of risk control is to eliminate the hazard entirely. This means removing
the source of danger or the condition that creates risk, such as designing a process that does not
involve toxic chemicals, or removing machinery that causes frequent accidents.
For example, replacing a manual process with fully automated machinery that doesn’t expose
workers to potential injuries from sharp edges or moving parts.
Benefits:
 No residual risk.
 Often the most effective solution.
 Long-term and sustainable.

II. Substitution.
The principle is to substitute the hazardous one if elimination is not possible. If a process or
material is inherently dangerous, it is substituted with a safer alternative that has less risk
associated with it.
For example, replacing a volatile chemical with a less flammable or toxic substance in a
manufacturing process.
Benefits:
 Reduces the potential severity of an accident.
 Often lowers the overall exposure risk.

1|Page
III. Engineering controls.
Engineering controls are used to isolate people from hazards. The controls involve modifying the
physical environment or the equipment to reduce or eliminate risks.
For example, using ventilation systems to remove harmful fumes, installing safety guards on
machinery, or safety interlocks to prevent workers from being exposed to moving parts.
Benefits:
 Provides a physical barrier between people and hazards.
 Typically, long-term solution.
 Often easier to implement and maintain than administrative controls.

IV. Administration controls.

Administrative controls include changes in work procedures, training, or policies that reduce risk
exposure. These are typically implemented when engineering controls are insufficient or
impractical.
For example, implementing rotation to limit exposure to aa hazardous task, creating safety
protocols for high-risk tasks, or establishing regular maintenance schedules.
Benefits:
 Flexible and can be adapted to a wide variety of situations.
 Easier and less expensive to implement than engineering controls.
Limitations:
 Relies on human behavior which can be inconsistent.
 Typically, less effective than engineering controls.
 Requires continuous training and supervision.

V. Personal protective equipment (PPE).

Using PPE protects workers when other controls are not sufficient. PPE includes items like
helmets, gloves, safety goggles, ear protection, respirators and other protective clothing, which
serve as the last line of defense against hazards.
For example, requiring workers to wear hearing protection in a noisy environment or using
respiratory masks in a dusty work area.
Benefits:
 Provides immediate protection for workers.
 Necessary when exposure cannot be fully eliminated or controls by engineering or
administrative measures.
Limitations:

2|Page
  PPE relies on proper use, maintenance, and consistent wearing.
 May not be able to protect all types of hazards e.g. high levels of radiation.

2. Discuss the following terms as discussed in Factory and Works Act: factory, appointment
of inspectors, powers of inspectors, registration of factories.
The Factory and Works Act is a significant piece of legislation in many countries that regulates
the health, safety, and welfare of workers in factories, workplaces and industrial establishments.
The Act covers a wide range of issues including the appointment of inspectors, their powers and
the registration of factories.
Factory:
A factory is defined within the context of the Factory and Works Act as a premises where a
trade, business, or manufacturing process is carried out, including any premises that employ 10
or more workers in manual work or where a machine is used. Factories are subject to specific
regulations concerning working conditions and safety measures which include:
 Evaluating ventilation, noise levels and lighting to ensure workers’ health and well-being
are protected.
 Provision of protective clothing, PPE and safety training.
 Provision of machinery safety, emergency exits and safe practices.
 Identification and management of risks such as fire hazards, chemical spills and
machinery failures.
The Act emphasizes the need for factories to maintain health standards to protect workers across
various industrial plants.
Appointment of inspectors:
The appointment of inspectors is a crucial mechanism in the enforcement of the Factory and
Works Act to ensure that factory owners and employers comply with safety standards and
regulations.
Inspectors are designated individuals, often within local or national government offices e.g. the
Department of labor, who are tasked with monitoring compliance with labor laws.
Inspectors have the authority to enter factory premises, conduct inspections, and assess whether
the regulations of the Act are being upheld. They are tasked with ensuring that employers
comply with the provisions of the Factory and Works Act, including health and safety
regulations. Inspectors assess factory environments for potential risks and hazards that could
endanger workers’ safety and health, such as faulty equipment, or toxic substances. They also
ensure that factories are following the provisions regarding adequate lighting, ventilation, fire
safety, and sanitation.

3|Page
Inspectors are required to have relevant qualifications, which could include engineering, health,
or safety certificates, and experience in industrial safety. Specialized training in identifying and
evaluating factory hazards is necessary to properly perform their duties.
Inspectors are appointed by a governmental department or regulatory body, and their role is to
enforce the law and ensure the safety of workers. The appointment criteria often include
expertise in occupational health and safety, legal knowledge, and understanding of industrial
processes. The appointment may also depend on regional or national needs, and appointments
are made in accordance with government policies, labor market conditions, and industrial
standards.
Powers of inspectors:
Inspectors hold significant powers under the Factory and Works Act, enabling them to perform
their duties effectively. These powers are essential to ensuring compliance with the law and
protecting workers from hazardous conditions.
Key powers of inspectors include:
 Right to access and inspection: Inspectors can enter any factory at reasonable times
during working hours to inspect the premises, machinery, and working conditions
without prior notice. They do not require a warrant to enter a factory.
 Power to examine documents: They have the authority to examine and copy any
documents related to health and safety regulations, safety inspections, accident reports,
and maintenance logs.
 Interviews: Inspectors can interview workers and management to gather information
about compliance with the Act.
 Enforcement actions: If violations are found, they can issue improvement notices or
prohibition notices, compelling factories to rectify hazardous conditions. These may
include the closure of unsafe equipment or facilities until they meet safety standards.
 Reporting: Inspectors may provide reports on their findings, making recommendations
for future improvements to safety protocols.
 Power to investigate accidents: inspectors have the power to investigate the cause of an
incident in the event of an accident or fatality in the workplace, and make
recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
 Enforcement of compliance: Inspectors can enforce compliance with the law by initiating
corrective actions and ensuring that workers’ health and safety are not compromised.
Inspectors may refer serious cases of non-compliance to the relevant authorities for further
action, which may include legal proceedings, suspension of operations, or even closure of the
factory until the issues are resolved.

4|Page
Registration of factories:
The registration of factories is another key aspect of the Factory and Works Act. Factories,
manufacturing plants, or industrial establishments typically need to be registered with the
appropriate government authority before commencement of operations
The purpose of factory registration:
 Registration helps authorities track the existence of factories, ensuring that they comply
with national regulations for health, safety and welfare.
 Registration enables the government or regulatory body to monitor the status of each
factory’s operations and make sure that factories adhere to required standards.
 Authorities can collect data on the number of employees, the types of operations, the
materials used, and potential risks involved.
This process involves:
 Application Process: Factory owners or operators are required to apply for registration
with the relevant authority providing details about the factory’s location, operations, the
number of employees, nature of operations and safety measures they have implemented.
 Compliance Checks: The registration often includes compliance checks by an inspector
to ensure the factory meets necessary health and safety standards before being granted
approval to operate.
 Record Maintenance: Registered factories are required to maintain certain records
regarding employee safety, machinery inspections, and incidents and must be available
for review by inspectors.
 Periodic Renewals: In some jurisdictions, factories may be required to renew their
registration periodically or after significant changes to their operations or structures that
could impact safety or healthy standards.
Factories must meet certain safety standards to be registered including having proper fire safety
measures, ventilation systems, welfare facilities. This ensures that workers are protected from
occupational hazards. Employers must demonstrate that they are following the relevant safety
codes and have taken measures to minimize risks to workers’ health.
Operating a factory without registering it or failing to maintain registration may result in
penalties, fines, or the suspension of operations.

5|Page