Australia Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks 4.1b: 4.1 Eliminate the hazard first, ideally at design or planning

Elimination is the most effective control and works best by not bringing the hazard into the workplace, for example doing the work at ground level to remove fall risk, or not using a noisy machine rather than issuing ear protection. It is often cheaper and easier at the design or planning stage. Existing hazards can be removed too, such as clearing trip hazards, disposing of unwanted chemicals or not working in isolated places. Where elimination would stop the product or service being delivered, the risks must be minimised as far as reasonably practicable.