Engineering controls

Engineering controls are like superheroes that work to help protect people from getting hurt. Similar to how a cape keeps a superhero from getting hurt, engineering controls are systems or tools that are put into place to help protect people from getting hurt on the job.

For example, if you've ever worn a bike helmet, that's an example of an engineering control. The helmet is designed to protect your head if you fall off your bike. But engineering controls aren't just limited to personal protection—there are also engineering controls that help protect people from hazards like noise, air pollution, and dangerous chemicals.

For instance, if there's a loud machine that's harmful to your ears, you might use earplugs as an engineering control. Or, if chemicals are being used in a laboratory, you might use a fume hood, which is like a big, powerful air-cleaning machine, to protect yourself from inhaling the chemicals.

So, the next time you see or use an engineering control, you can think of it as a superhero that's there to protect you!