Eliminate Before Managing
Table of Contents
Remove unnecessary danger first instead of stacking procedures and gear on top of it.
Key Concept
- Eliminate before managing removes unnecessary danger first instead of stacking procedures and gear on top.
- Safeguards can cut risk, but they still need correct human action every time.
- When a dangerous activity is not required, swap it for a safer alternative and the failure never gets a chance to happen.
- Remove the hazard before you buy more gear to work around it.
Level 1 - Recognize
Eliminate before managing means removing unnecessary danger first instead of stacking procedures and gear on top of the hazard.
Level 2 - Explain
Take out the broken step instead of painting a warning sign on it forever - like removing the wasp nest instead of handing out extra gloves.
Level 3 - Use
Ask whether the activity is required - if not, swap it for a safer alternative before you buy more gear to work around the same risk.
Level 4 - Connect
Hierarchy of Controls puts elimination above PPE stacks - remove the hazard before you buy gear to work around it permanently.
Level 5 - Create
Redesign the work so the hazard cannot enter the normal path, then use procedures and gear only for the risk that remains.
Examples
- Swap the wobbly ladder for a stable step stool - glad we eliminated the fall hazard instead of adding three warning stickers.
- We stopped storing cleaners under the sink and moved them up high - remove the hazard before we trust a do-not-touch lecture every time.
Note Relationships
| Relationship | Wikilink | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| contradicts | Risk Management | when layering controls beats asking whether the activity is necessary |
| extends | Develop, Don't Endanger | Same duty-of-care lane - challenge without keeping lethal exposure |
| extends | First Principles Thinking | Strip to basics - is this dangerous step required at all? |
| extends | Hierarchy of Controls | Elimination sits at the top - remove before you manage |
| extends | Safety by Design | Build the safer path in from the start |
