Which statement best describes the trend when hazard controls are effective over time?

Which statement best describes the trend when hazard controls are effective over time?

• A. More near misses
• B. Higher costs
• C. Decreasing incident rates
• D. Longer response times

Answer: (C)

Effective hazard controls reduce exposure to dangers, so the chance of an accident occurring decreases over time. As these controls are implemented and maintained, workers encounter fewer risky situations, and incident rates fall. That downward trend reflects how well safety measures prevent incidents. The other options describe outcomes that don't align with successful prevention—more near misses would imply continued risk or changes in reporting, higher costs don't reflect injuries being reduced, and longer response times suggest slower reaction rather than better prevention. So, the best description is a decreasing incident rate.

Effective hazard controls reduce exposure to dangers, so the chance of an accident occurring decreases over time. As these controls are implemented and maintained, workers encounter fewer risky situations, and incident rates fall. That downward trend reflects how well safety measures prevent incidents. The other options describe outcomes that don't align with successful prevention—more near misses would imply continued risk or changes in reporting, higher costs don't reflect injuries being reduced, and longer response times suggest slower reaction rather than better prevention. So, the best description is a decreasing incident rate.