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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.

[!warning] 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