Lockout/Tagout Training Helps Keep Employees Safe

According to safety and compliance professionals at KPA, lockout/tagout violations are among the 10 most frequently cited Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards.

Energy sources — including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical and thermal — in the machines and equipment our companies use every day can be hazardous to workers. During routine maintenance and equipment repairs, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in serious injury or even death.

That’s why a comprehensive lockout/tagout (LOTO) program in every SMACNA Greater Chicago member company is so important. It helps create a safer working environment by preparing everyone on your team to recognize potential hazards and how to avoid them.

So, what happens if you are hit with a LOTO violation? For starters, you could be fined more than $13,000 per violation — and as much per day for every day the issue hasn’t been fixed by OSHA’s deadline! According to KPA, a repeated or willful violation can be 10 times as much. Violations can also cost your company productivity after an incident, workers’ compensation claims, costs of any damaged equipment and potential legal fees.

To avoid violations (and safeguard against injuries), start by identifying the hazardous machines in your facility and make sure you have written LOTO procedures for every single one. Training should follow so all employees know to follow proper maintenance and service protocol. Be sure to remove all potential for injury around your equipment in the event maintenance tasks must be performed and designate the correct locks and tags to employees working on locked-out equipment.

OSHA standards were designed to help prevent serious accidents, keeping your employees safe and your business running.

We’re currently working on our 2021-2022 education schedule, which will include a course on lockout/tagout training. As soon as details have been formalized, members will be notified, and information will be posted on our website. Stay tuned!