Each year when OSHA reports its most frequently violated standards, the control of hazardous energy, also known as lockout tagout (1910.147) consistently appears high on the list of greatest offenders.
Lockout tagout (LOTO) is a procedure used across industries, including manufacturing, utilities, medical facilities, food service and research settings, to help guarantee machinery is deenergized or shut down while maintenance is being performed. To prioritize the safety of employees, the energy is isolated to prevent accidental startup, as well as possible injuries to anyone working on the machine.