The hierarchy of control
No, the hierarchy of control is not about government politics or relationships. It’s about the way we control safety and health hazards in the workplace. Rinker’s goal and vision of Zero4Life requires us to look very closely at this important issue. If we are to eliminate injuries, occupational illnesses and preventable vehicular incidents, we must have a system to control the hazards that can harm people and damage property
Controls are the measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risk to an acceptable level. The Hierarchy of Control is the order in which controls should be considered.
The best method of dealing with a hazard is to eliminate it. Once the hazard has been eliminated the potential for harm has gone. If it is not feasible to do this, other controls should be considered in order of effectiveness: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and lastly, personal protective equipment.
Substitution involves substituting a dangerous process or substance with one that is less dangerous. Isolation provides a physical barrier through mechanical aids, machine guarding, ventilation or insulation. Administrative controls include procedures and practices to reduce an employees’ exposure, timing jobs so fewer workers are exposed, redesigning tasks and routine maintenance. Providing personal protective equipment is the last option.
Tom Hethmon, vice president, safety and occupational health, says making the right decision requires an understanding of the hazard, the risks and the options for control. “The Hierarchy helps us make the most appropriate decision.”
TAD wins Best Practice Charity Award
As a strong supporter of Technical Aid for the Disabled (TAD), Readymix is delighted that TADNSW has won the “Best Practice Charity” award earlier this year.
TADNSW was selected from Givewell’s database of more than 1,700 charities. It was chosen after a rigorous selection process that identified many key strengths, one of which was commitment to transparency and accountability.
Dr. Jill Thomson from Givewell Research and TADNSW chairman Bill Phippen
“Congratulations to all the staff and volunteers at TAD,” says Readymix chief executive Sharon DeHayes. “This award, won in the very competitive not-for-profit sector, exemplifies TAD’s high caliber as a charity organization. It gives us confidence in our choice of supporting ethical organizations that are committed to their staff, volunteers, supporters, members, and most importantly, clients.”
TAD aims to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities Australia-wide, including isolated and remote areas. Retired engineers or similarly skilled and experienced people give their time, skills, knowledge and tools to invent and build many one-off practical solutions to help make people’s lives easier. Many Readymix people have been involved in TAD over the years.
Rinker Materials and the March of Dimes* - a decade old partnership
In April 1994, Rinker Materials entered one team in the March of Dimes walk and raised US$500. Ten years later, Rinker Materials has entered 15 teams throughout the U.S., raising over US$25,000.
The March of Dimes is one of Rinker Materials’ primary corporate charitable recipients. Its mission is to provide research, education and outreach, to give babies a chance against premature birth, birth defects and low birth weight.
According to Elaine Wherry, in the Hydro Conduit Concrete Pipe and Products Division, who has been spearheading the company’s participation since 1994, Rinker Materials has had as many as 24 teams entered in a single year. Elaine’s goal is to have a team in each of the 31 states in which Rinker Materials operates.
From left to right: Joan Church, March of Dimes division director; Jim Wilmes, D/FW region manager; Scott Murray, master of ceremonies; and Ellen Scott, D/FW administrative assistant.
Over the years, Rinker Materials’ commitment to this event has been evident with employees continuing to volunteer their personal time. Teams often finish in the top 10 for fundraising and win honors including best t-shirt design, most improved team and newest team.
This year’s teams included Florida (Miami/Dade County, Deland, Daytona, Fort Walton Beach, Leesburg, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers and Davenport); Phoenix, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Alexandria, Lousiana; Macon, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio.
To become a March of Dimes team captain in your location, please contact Elaine at ewherry@rinker.com
*For our international readers, a dime is 10 cents
