Step 3 — Deciding on preventive action — T-O-P

After identifying and prioritizing the risks in your facility, the next step is the identification of the appropriate measures to eliminate or control the risks. If possible, a risk should be avoided rather than being reduced, e.g. a dangerous chemical substance should be replaced by a less dangerous one. 

Additionally, the following hierarchy should be considered regarding preventive measures  (T-O-P): 

     T–  Technical solutions should be considered, followed by 

     O–  Organizational and finally personal/individual measures. 

     P–  Personal/individual measures  

It is better to provide employees with height-adjustable tables than to train them to relax their back muscles which are cramped from sitting all day at a desk which is too high or low.

Technical measures -If possible, risks should be reduced with technical appliances, technical aids or construction measures.

Organizational measures – A good work organization and written organizational agreements on working sequences can avoid or reduce risks

Personal/individual measures –  Individual instructions as well as training and most importantly retraining measures are necessary for sustainable effects on workers’ health and safety.