What type of risk control is reducing hazardous noise by design?

• A. PPE
• B. Engineering
• C. Administrative
• D. Physical

Answer: (B)

Engineering controls target the hazard at its source by changing the design of the equipment or the way it operates to reduce the noise produced. By making quieter machinery, adding sound-damping enclosures, or isolating vibrating components, the exposure is lessened before the worker is exposed. That’s why this is the best fit for reducing hazardous noise by design.

PPE would protect the worker (like earplugs or earmuffs) but doesn’t reduce the hazard itself. Administrative controls change how the work is organized or scheduled and don’t alter the noise produced. The option labeled physical typically refers to barriers or environment changes, but when the reduction comes from design changes in the equipment or process, it is classified as engineering control.