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Level 3: Administrative Controls

Rely on Procedures and Behavior​

Administrative controls use procedures, training, and work practices to reduce risk exposure.

Least Reliable Alone

Administrative controls depend on human behavior and consistent application. Should never be sole control where higher-level controls reasonably practicable.

Types of Administrative Controls​

Safe Work Procedures​

Written procedures describing safe work methods:

  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Hazards and controls for each step
  • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk construction work

Effectiveness requires:

  • Procedures developed with worker input
  • Training in procedures
  • Readily accessible
  • Actually followed

Permits to Work​

Formal authorization for high-risk activities:

  • Hot work permits (welding, cutting, grinding)
  • Confined space entry permits
  • Electrical work permits
  • Roof access permits

Purpose:

  • Ensures controls in place before work starts
  • Documented authorization and checks
  • Clear responsibility

Training and Competency​

Ensure workers have knowledge and skills:

  • WHS induction (general construction, site-specific)
  • Task-specific training
  • Equipment operation training
  • High-risk work licenses

Construction Examples:

  • White Card (general construction induction)
  • Scaffolding licenses
  • Forklift licenses
  • Confined space training

Supervision​

Competent oversight of work:

  • Ensures procedures followed
  • Identifies and corrects unsafe practices
  • Provides guidance to inexperienced workers
  • Particularly important for high-risk work

Signage and Warnings​

Visual communication of hazards:

  • Warning signs (hazard present)
  • Prohibition signs (action not allowed)
  • Mandatory signs (action required)
  • Emergency information signs

Examples:

  • "DANGER - ASBESTOS"
  • "NO ENTRY - AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY"
  • "HARD HAT AREA"
  • Emergency assembly point signs

Job Rotation and Rest Breaks​

Reduce exposure duration:

  • Rotate workers between tasks (reduces repetitive strain, noise exposure)
  • Regular breaks from physically/mentally demanding work
  • Limit time in extreme temperatures
  • Reduce continuous exposure to hazardous substances

Housekeeping​

Maintain clean, organized workplace:

  • Regular cleanup prevents slip/trip hazards
  • Remove combustibles (fire prevention)
  • Organized storage reduces manual handling
  • Clear access/egress routes

Scheduling and Planning​

Organize work to reduce risks:

  • Schedule noisy work when fewer workers present
  • Plan deliveries to minimize manual handling
  • Coordinate activities to avoid conflicts
  • Weather restrictions (no roof work in high wind/rain)

Limitations​

Why administrative controls least effective:

Rely on humans:

  • People forget
  • Take shortcuts under time pressure
  • May not understand importance

Can fail invisibly:

  • Procedure not followed, but work appears normal
  • Problem only discovered when incident occurs

Require constant vigilance:

  • Ongoing supervision and monitoring needed
  • Training must be refreshed
  • Procedures must be updated

When Administrative Controls Appropriate​

As supplement to higher controls:

  • SWMS for work with engineering controls in place
  • Training in use of engineering controls and PPE
  • Permits ensuring checks completed before high-risk work

For residual risks:

  • Risks remaining after engineering controls
  • Low-probability risks where engineering controls not practicable

For organizational systems:

  • Incident reporting and investigation
  • Inspection and maintenance schedules
  • Consultation processes

Practical Examples​

SWMS for Roof Work​

Higher controls:

  • Edge protection (engineering/isolation)
  • Fall arrest anchor points (engineering)

Administrative controls:

  • SWMS documenting work method, hazards, controls
  • Training in fall arrest equipment use
  • Weather restrictions (no work if rain/wind)
  • Competent supervision
  • Pre-start inspections

Hot Work Permit​

Higher controls:

  • Flammable materials removed from area (elimination)
  • Fire extinguishers available (engineering)

Administrative controls:

  • Permit system ensures checks completed
  • Fire watch during and after work
  • Authorization by competent person

Traffic Management​

Higher controls:

  • Physical separation of pedestrians and vehicles (isolation)
  • Barriers/fencing (engineering)

Administrative controls:

  • Traffic management plan
  • Speed limits
  • Exclusion zones enforced
  • Induction training on site traffic rules
  • High-visibility clothing