What does a "control substitution" strategy involve in risk management?

A "control substitution" strategy is a risk management approach that focuses on replacing a hazardous substance or process with a safer alternative. This method effectively reduces risk by eliminating or minimizing potential hazards, thereby creating a safer environment without merely adding protective measures or controls around the existing process.

By substituting dangerous materials or processes, organizations can significantly diminish exposure to risks associated with those hazards. This action not only enhances safety but may also lead to improved operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards.

In contrast, adding more safety regulations can be beneficial but does not eliminate the underlying risk; it simply layers more controls on top of existing practices. Removing all hazardous substances could be ideal but often impractical and unfeasible, as some processes may inherently require certain materials. Implementing new technology to monitor risks can enhance awareness and detection of issues but does not substitute or reduce the inherent risks present in hazardous substances or processes. Therefore, the idea behind control substitution is to proactively replace risk factors rather than merely manage or monitor them.