What is the first step in the hierarchy of control?

The first step in the hierarchy of control is elimination. This approach emphasizes the importance of removing the hazard completely from the workplace or process, thereby eliminating any risk associated with it. By doing so, it provides the highest level of protection because if a hazard does not exist, it cannot pose a danger to workers or equipment.

Elimination is prioritized in the hierarchy because it fundamentally removes the source of risk rather than simply managing it or minimizing exposure. Other methods, such as substitution, isolation, or the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), come into play only when elimination is not feasible. Each of those methods still carries some level of risk or reliance on human behavior, whereas elimination offers a more definitive solution to workplace hazards.