Safety Unpacked - Hierarchy of Control

In this episode of the Women in Safety podcast, Alanna Ball and Amy Morris take a practical look at risk treatment options and the hierarchy of controls, unpacking how safety decisions are shaped through systems, design, and context. Rather than treating controls as a checklist exercise, the conversation explores how safety professionals can think more critically about what is actually effective, what is simply assumed to work, and where gaps may still exist. ​ The discussion moves beyond theory and into the realities of risk management, including the difference between active and passive controls, the value of bow tie analysis, and why safety should be considered much earlier in the planning and design of work. Alanna and Amy also highlight the importance of testing and verifying controls, rather than assuming they are effective just because they are documented. ​ Episode Highlights Why safety often sits within data, decisions, and systems, not just frontline actions

How the hierarchy of controls can support risk management, while still requiring context and critical thinking

The importance of understanding the difference between active and passive controls

How the bow tie method can help identify gaps in risk treatment and control effectiveness

Why safety professionals should be involved during the planning and design stages of work

The need to test, verify, and review controls rather than relying on assumptions

How designing good work can help prevent both physical and psychosocial harm

Why overcomplicating safety processes can create confusion and reduce effectiveness

How asking better questions can lead to stronger and more practical risk management decisions

​ This episode is a useful reminder that effective risk management is not about adding more steps or more paperwork. It is about understanding the context, choosing controls with intent, and making sure they actually work in practice. Alanna and Amy encourage listeners to look beyond the language of compliance and focus on designing good work, asking sharper questions, and building safety into decisions from the beginning. For safety professionals, this conversation offers a more thoughtful and practical approach to managing risk in real-world settings.

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