TBS Phase 1 Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Study Resource

Engineering controls are interventions that physically change the environment or equipment to reduce exposure to hazards. They are considered one of the most effective strategies in risk management because they aim to eliminate or minimize risks at their source.

Structural design modifications are a prime example of engineering controls. These modifications can include changes to buildings, workplaces, and equipment to enhance safety. For instance, installing proper ventilation systems in a factory to reduce the concentration of harmful fumes or redesigning workspaces to improve safe access and egress demonstrates how changing physical structures directly reduces potential hazards.

In contrast, safety drills, warning labels, and training programs fall under other categories of risk management approaches. Safety drills are practices to prepare individuals for emergency situations, warning labels provide information to raise awareness of hazards, and training programs educate employees about safety procedures. While these methods are important for maintaining a safe environment, they do not involve altering the physical layout or design of a workspace or equipment itself, which is the hallmark of engineering controls.