Is it important for every employee performing work on equipment to attach their own lock and tag?

The practice of attaching individual locks and tags, often referred to as lockout/tagout (LOTO), is fundamental to ensuring the safety of employees working on equipment. This procedure is designed to prevent the accidental energization or startup of machinery during maintenance or servicing.

When each employee attaches their own lock and tag, it creates a system of accountability and ensures that no one can operate the equipment until all locks are removed. This is crucial because it protects every individual on the job site from potential hazards arising from unexpected re-energization.

In the context of work safety, collective adherence to this practice fosters a culture of safety, minimizing risks and preventing accidents. Even in situations where maintenance personnel might be the primary workers on a piece of equipment, all personnel should employ this strategy if they are involved in or nearby the servicing process. Therefore, the practice should be universally applied across all employees involved in equipment work, emphasizing the necessity for personal responsibility in safe practices.