Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Practice Exam

In risk management, what does 'control' refer to?

1. Implementing measures to reduce risks

2. Documenting all incidents

3. Conducting employee surveys

4. Monitoring safety compliance

The correct answer is: Implementing measures to reduce risks

In risk management, 'control' refers to implementing measures to reduce risks. This term encompasses a wide range of actions and strategies designed to mitigate potential hazards, minimize the impact of risks, and ensure that safety measures are effectively integrated into an organization's operational processes. Controls can include policies, procedures, engineering solutions, and training programs that aim to either eliminate risks or reduce their likelihood and severity. When organizations focus on controls, they are actively engaging in risk management by identifying potential risks and taking systematic steps to address them. For instance, a company might implement safety training sessions for employees, use protective equipment, or establish safety protocols. These proactive measures are essential for fostering a safe workplace environment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The other choices do not capture the essence of 'control' as it pertains to risk management. Documenting incidents relates more to record-keeping rather than actively mitigating risks. Conducting employee surveys gathers opinions and feedback, which, while valuable, does not directly address risk reduction measures. Monitoring safety compliance ensures that established regulations and practices are being followed but is part of the broader control process instead of being a definition of control itself.