What is the highest priority method in risk control?

The highest priority method in risk control is eliminating the risk. This approach is fundamental to risk management because it completely removes the hazard or threat from the environment, thereby ensuring that it can no longer cause harm. By eliminating the risk, organizations can protect employees, customers, and assets without requiring any additional measures to manage or mitigate the risk after it has been removed.

Other methods, such as minimizing risk through substitution, using personal protective equipment (PPE), or implementing safe work practices, still address risks but do not achieve the same level of security as complete elimination. Substituting a hazardous substance with a safer one can reduce risk but does not eliminate it entirely. Similarly, PPE and safe work practices are important strategies for managing risks that cannot be eliminated but rely on individuals following protocols and using equipment effectively, which may not always be foolproof. Therefore, eliminating the risk is the most effective and preferred approach in risk control hierarchy.