It’s all about perspective
“The Hierarchy of controls” was first conceived and introduced in the 1950s as a way to illustrate a method of decision making, of risk management. And really, what a great concept, such a simple, easy-to-understand idea that literally anyone can get a hold on. The most genius ideas that surround us today, that make the most sense, that are the “of course” ideas, are sometimes the ones staring us right in the face, that we never think of.
It is such a universally applicable idea, this suggestion that with any process, we evaluate the way it is carried out. Let’s say for example, changing a light bulb in a ceiling fixture.
Level one : We simply do not change the light bulb — not usually an option, eventually it’ll get pretty dark
Level two: We use table lamps, flashlights — you will miss the overhead light, and you’re only dodging the issue
Level three : Now this is the fun one, where we get to be creative. Most of us would not think about the hierarchy at all, but would have gone straight to the ladder, the step stool, even the kitchen chair. But with engineering controls, we get to consider different alternatives… Perhaps a hydraulic lift? Perhaps an extension pole designed around changing light bulbs from the ground?
Level Four : Administration dives into creating committees, rotating workers, training workers on light bulb changing techniques, perhaps even creating policies around requiring two workers to change the light bulb, or three, (one to brace the ladder, one to do traffic control, one to actually change the bulb).
Level Five: Unfortunately, the most widely used, provides the least amount of involvement, and in the case of changing the light bulb, it would likely involve the worker simply changing the bulb on his own devices, but with a supplied pair of gloves or safety glasses to help protect him.
Now this example, changing the light bulb, can be applied to anything and everything we do in life! From how we get to work every day, how we prepare our food, or to more complex systems, like internal combustion engines.
I’ve been fascinated with new automotive technologies lately, and in my investigation came across the expression, “the light bulb was not invented through continuous improvement of the candle”. Even though candles cast light and illuminate a space, no one can argue the value behind the power of an electric light.
The most powerful inventions of all time have all had this at the root, either eliminating or substituting a process entirely, like the invention of the printing press, the invention of the automobile, the invention of the mobile phone. (I have so many of my clients ask “what would I do without my cell phone?”)
Unfortunately however, at the end of the day, much of our decision making process is governed by either our budgets, or our emotional psyche. But if we could just take a moment to consider how we do things, perhaps try to look at it from a different perspective, we might realize that there is a better, safer way.
