Wearing hearing protection in a shooting range is an example of which type of hazard control?

Wearing hearing protection in a shooting range is an example of physical hazard control because it directly addresses the physical dangers associated with loud noises, such as gunfire, that can cause hearing damage. Physical hazard controls are measures put in place to protect individuals from hazards through the use of personal protective equipment or modifications to the physical environment. In this case, the use of hearing protection mitigates the risk of noise-induced hearing loss by blocking or reducing sound exposure, thereby providing a tangible barrier against the harmful effects of noise.

Other types of hazard controls involve different approaches. Administrative controls refer to policies or procedures that manage worker exposure to hazards, such as scheduling or training. Engineering controls involve physical changes to equipment or processes to reduce hazards, such as adding soundproof barriers. Behavioral controls focus on changing individual behaviors or practices to improve safety, like strict adherence to safety protocols. However, these do not directly apply in the case of wearing hearing protection, which is a direct form of personal safety equipment addressing a specific physical hazard.