Common Safety Orientation (CSO) Practice Test

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are indeed classified as an administrative control. This classification stems from the fact that SOPs are established protocols or guidelines that provide instructions on how to carry out tasks safely to minimize risks in the workplace. They are designed to enhance safety by formalizing processes, ensuring that all employees follow consistent methods, and promoting safe practices.

Administrative controls, such as SOPs, focus on changing the way people behave in a work environment rather than altering the physical setup. These controls include training, supervision, proper work practices, and policies intended to guide employees in performing their duties safely, thus aiming to reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries. By implementing SOPs, organizations ensure that workers are aware of hazards and know how to mitigate them through established procedures.

In contrast, engineering controls involve physical modifications to the workplace—such as guards on machinery or improved ventilation systems—while personal protective equipment focuses on gear that protects individuals from hazards. Elimination control refers to the removal of hazards altogether. Although these approaches play essential roles in a comprehensive safety strategy, SOPs specifically support administrative control by managing human behavior and decision-making to enhance occupational safety.