Which of the following statements most accurately defines engineering controls?

Engineering controls are defined as measures that are designed to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards in the workplace. They involve the use of physical modifications to the environment or processes that minimize risk without relying on worker behavior.

The correct answer highlights that engineering controls specifically include materials and devices intended to prevent employees' exposure to hazardous or infectious substances. This can include things like ventilation systems, safety shields, or any physical barriers that prevent contact with harmful agents. These controls are prioritized because they offer a more sustainable and effective solution to managing risks compared to relying solely on personal protective equipment, procedures, or training.

Options related to personal protective equipment, procedures, and training focus on different aspects of safety management, which are important but do not encapsulate the essence of engineering controls. Personal protective equipment is designed to protect the worker after the hazard is present, while procedures and training are about behavior and practices, rather than modifications to the physical work environment. Thus, the emphasis on eliminating or reducing hazards through physical means sets engineering controls apart as a crucial component of safety in infection control.