Which scenario best illustrates applying safety controls before a physically demanding task?

• A. Skipping PPE to save time
• B. Relying on luck
• C. Proceeding without any risk assessment
• D. Performing a risk assessment, using PPE, and implementing mitigation controls

Answer: (D)

Before any physically demanding task, you plan for safety first: identify hazards, assess the level of risk, and put controls in place. This means figuring out what could go wrong, how severe it could be, and then choosing measures to reduce that risk. Using PPE and applying mitigation controls are part of that plan, and you only proceed once those safeguards are in place. When you perform a risk assessment, you can select appropriate PPE, equipment, work methods, and help from others to lessen exposure to harm. That combination—assessing risk, donning the right PPE, and putting mitigating steps into action—best protects you and others before the task begins. The other options skip essential safety steps or rely on luck, which increases the likelihood of injury.