The Lowdown on Lockout

If everyone could read minds, people would have a clear idea of what their co-workers were up to and many injuries and deaths could be prevented. Unfortunately, some workers seem to think they are mind readers because they make assumptions that are incorrect and unsafe.

Case in point: A worker flicks a power switch off and climbs into a large hopper to try to determine why a piece of equipment isn’t functioning properly. The worker can’t be seen, an unfortunate reality when someone else comes along, makes an assumption and switches on the power.

Lockout/tagout is the only safe way to ensure that all sources of energy are neutralized and controlled for the entire time it takes to perform repairs or maintenance. Without proper lockout procedures, workers can suffer amputations, crushing injuries, electrical shock, burns and other potentially fatal injuries.

Many of these tragedies occur while workers are attempting to perform maintenance or repairs, or clear material jams in equipment that is either running or has not safely been de-activated.