What constitutes an 'administrative control'?

• A. Guard rails are installed.
• B. Redesigning the task.
• C. A training program.
• D. Procedures, training, policies, schedules, and methods to reduce risk by modifying how the task is performed.

Answer: (D)

Administrative controls are management-directed measures that modify how a task is performed to reduce risk, rather than altering the physical environment. Guard rails are installed represents a physical change to the workspace—an engineering control that directly changes the space to prevent exposure. Redesigning the task also changes how the work is done at the process or equipment level, another form of engineering control. A training program is part of administrative controls, but the most complete description includes procedures, policies, schedules, and methods that collectively govern how the task is performed to minimize risk. Therefore, the option describing procedures, training, policies, schedules, and methods to reduce risk by changing how the task is carried out best defines administrative controls.