If an employer moves employees who have reached the upper permissible level of exposure to a hazardous environment, what type of hazard control is being utilized?

The scenario described involves shifting employees who have reached the upper permissible level of exposure to a hazardous environment, which falls under the category of administrative control.

Administrative controls are strategies that are utilized to reduce or manage exposure to hazards through the implementation of policies, procedures, or work practices. By moving employees to different areas or adjusting their work conditions, the employer is applying a management approach to control exposure to hazards. This is commonly done by scheduling, providing training, or implementing work practices designed to protect workers from exposure.

Other types of hazard controls play different roles. Engineering controls involve physical modifications to the workplace to reduce exposure, such as improved ventilation systems or enclosed processes. Personal controls, often referred to as personal protective equipment (PPE), are individual protections like gloves, masks, or respirators that workers wear. Professional controls would refer more to the oversight and guidance provided by experts in the field rather than the structured methods for managing exposure to hazards.

In this case, the action of relocating employees due to their exposure levels is a clear example of administrative controls being employed to ensure that their safety remains a priority.