Examples of engineering controls include:

In the context of safety protocols, engineering controls are physical modifications to the workplace that reduce or eliminate hazards. These measures are designed to create a safer environment by addressing risks directly at their source, thus minimizing exposure without relying heavily on human behavior.

Warning signs and plastic barriers are considered engineering controls because they physically alter the environment to protect workers. For instance, plastic barriers can prevent workers from accessing hazardous areas, while warning signs alert individuals to potential dangers, guiding behavior and encouraging safety compliance. These controls effectively reduce the chance of accidents and injuries by making hazards more visible and clearly delineating unsafe zones.

In contrast, safety training programs, employee handbooks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are classified differently. Training programs inform employees about hazards and safety practices but do not alter the environment itself. Employee handbooks contain policies and procedures regarding safety, which again do not create a physical change in the workplace. While PPE is crucial for protecting individuals from exposure to hazards, it serves as a last line of defense rather than a primary method of controlling risks at the source.