Best Practices: Incorporating Digital Technology Into The Hierarchy Of Controls
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Executive Summary
Firms today have been making strides in reducing incident and accident rates and are doing so through both traditional and novel means. Traditionally, these safety gains have been achieved through variations of the hierarchy of controls (HOC). First introduced in 1950 by the National Safety Council (NSC), the HOC is a process by which firms identify and mitigate hazards though specific actions or alterations. In decreasing order of effectiveness, they are: direct hazard factor elimination, substitution of solutions or hazards, engineering a change, administrative actions and the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
This report provides a comprehensive overview of identified best practices around incorporating a new approach to integrating digital technologies into the existing HOC. As it stands, digital solutions are utilized across each of the steps in the pyramid – from the integration of automation in physical operations to the incorporation of camera analytics for PPE usage – and are being leveraged to a greater degree as the technology develops. The documentation around these deployments has resulted in definitive use cases that can provide new insights to firms far along the maturity curve, as well as a roadmap for those just starting to digitize.
This report will assist corporates and vendors to understand the leading trends, drivers and best practices when it comes to current and future integrations of digital technology into the HOC.
Digital Technologies Have Proven Usages At Each Step In The HOC Pyramid
Foundational Methodology For Ensuring Optimal Incorporation Of Digital Technologies
Enabling Early And Holistic Change Management Is Essential To Project Success
Consider The Extended Benefits Of Digital Technologies Beyond Enterprise HOC
Digital Technology Opens The Door To Future EHS Excellence
Figure 2. Focus On Safety
Figure 3. Hierarchy Of Controls
About the Authors

Nathan Goldstein
Senior Analyst
Nathan is a Senior Analyst in the Verdantix EHSQ practice out of the New York office. His current research agenda focuses on the intersection of sustainability and ESG trends …
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Bill Pennington
VP Research, EHS & Risk Management
Bill is the VP Research for the Verdantix EHS & Risk Management practices. His current agenda focuses on understanding the evolution of EHS and enterprise risk management,…
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