Lockout Tagout Training: How to Control Hazardous Energy and Protect Workers

Lockout Tagout Training: How to Keep Workers Safe from Hazardous Energy

When you’re working around machinery, one small mistake can turn ugly fast. That’s why control of hazardous energy, better known as lockout tagout (LOTO), is one of the most important OSHA safety programs you can have. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about making sure everyone goes home with all ten fingers.

What Is Lockout Tagout (LOTO)?

Lockout Tagout is the process of making sure a machine stays off—really off—while someone’s working on it. The idea is simple: no one can power it up until the work is done and it’s safe.

There are two parts:

• Lockout: Workers attach a physical lock to the machine’s energy source. It can’t be turned on until that lock comes off.

• Tagout: A warning tag gets attached to tell everyone that the equipment’s under maintenance and not to mess with it.

If you want to see OSHA’s full standard, here’s their guide: OSHA Lockout/Tagout Standard.

Why LOTO Training Matters

Most workplace injuries from machinery happen because someone didn’t know—or didn’t follow—the LOTO procedure. That’s why OSHA requires specific lockout tagout training for employees. Training should make sure workers know:

• Why the program exists and what it prevents.

• What types of energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic) they might be exposed to.

• How to properly apply locks and tags on different machines.

• How to verify energy is isolated before working on equipment.

• What to do in an emergency, including how to re-energize equipment safely.

You can dig into OSHA’s full LOTO training requirements here.

Best Practices to Make LOTO Stick

1. Train often, not once. Do refreshers whenever equipment changes or people forget steps.

2. Get hands-on. Don’t just hand out a slide deck. Let employees actually practice locking and tagging equipment.

3. Track your sessions. Keep a record of who’s trained and when—it’s good for compliance and audits.

4. Include your supervisors. They need to know how to spot unsafe shortcuts and enforce the rules.

Final Thoughts

Lockout Tagout isn’t just paperwork—it’s a life-saving habit. A solid LOTO program backed by clear, consistent training keeps your workers safe and your company out of OSHA’s crosshairs.

If your workplace hasn’t updated its LOTO training program in a while, it’s time. Visit OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout page for free resources and compliance tools.