6 Facts about Lockout Tagout
Lockout Tagout is a fundamental safety measure in workplaces, particularly where
machine maintenance is a routine work. LOTO effectively controls hazardous
energy sources and safeguard workers from possible accidents or fatalities while
ensuring regulatory compliance. Its implementation necessitates thorough
training, clear communication, and strict adherence to protocols, with regular
audits essential for verification and improvement.
LOTO minimizes workplace hazards, enhances safety awareness, and protects
employees' well-being. By promoting a culture of safety and meticulous
adherence to procedures, LOTO enables workers to carry out their duties securely
and efficiently.
Facts about Lockout Tagout
In this article, we'll explore vital facts about Lockout Tagout, highlighting its
significance in workplace safety and its role in preventing workplace accidents. By
understanding these facts, employers and employees alike can ensure proper
implementation of LOTO procedures, fostering a culture of safety and minimizing
the risk of workplace incidents.
1- Lockout Tagout is one of the Top Most OSHA violations:
Lockout Tagout is among OSHA’s top five most cited sources of workplace safety
violations. It is ranked 5th among the top 10 cited violations in general industry,
and is ranked no. 1 most cited violation in the manufacturing industry. Therefore,
the implementation of Lockout Tagout must be taken seriously.
2- Protects everyone in the facility - It saves lives:
Accidents occur when Lockout Tagout is not taken seriously. Most of the accidents
are avoidable if proper precautions are set in place to prevent machinery from
re-energizing during maintenance and servicing. It protects everyone from
fatalities and injuries that occur due to such carelessness.
3- LOTO avoids unexpected start-up or release of stored energy:
When dangerous machines are not properly shut off, they can start up accidently
before maintenance or servicing work is completed. The unexpected release of
stored energy can result in serious work injury and fatality. By disconnecting the
main energy source, we may remove much of the potential danger, but it is
possible that there is stored energy present.
Always make sure that the equipment remains in de-energized state during
maintenance.
4- LOTO reduces cost and increases productivity:
Many big companies face huge losses and penalties for not taking LOTO seriously.
There is an extreme cost of which most companies are not aware when neglecting
to be compliant with Lockout Tagout. That cost is Lawsuits, the falling brand
image, the settlement formalities, downtime and damage to property, cost of
insurance, etc. They are far costlier and have the chance to be a true destruction
to even large businesses.
Instead, following Lockout Tagout religiously, increases productivity, decreases
downtime, builds confidence and trust amongst the employees and a sense of
security that they are working in a safe environment.
5- Periodic Trainings and audits help employees in safe isolation:
Training is the key mechanism of communicating with the employees of what is
expected of them. Proper LOTO training is a basic necessity for every employee
working on a machine to ensure the continued proficiency of employees in
following safe work practices and the proper isolation of hazardous energies. For a
successful Lockout Tagout program to be implemented, it is essential that the
employees acquire and retain the necessary knowledge and skills required.
6- Reviews and audits are must for successful LOTO Implementation:
Besides meeting the OSHA compliance, annual audits are also important, to ensure that
the company has up-to-date and accurate procedures. Also, to ensure that the energy
control measures are adequate and being properly and consistently applied, a lockout
Tagout program must be reviewed periodically and revised.
The 6 facts about Lockout Tagout underline its critical role in workplace safety and efficiency.
From preventing hazardous energy incidents to fostering a culture of safety and compliance,
LOTO is essential for protecting lives and reducing workplace risks. By understanding its
importance, addressing common violations, and investing in proper training and audits,
organizations can ensure the effective implementation of LOTO procedures. This not only
safeguards employees but also enhances productivity and trust, creating a safer and more
reliable working environment for all.