Who is responsible for establishing lockout procedures in a workplace?

The employer is responsible for establishing lockout procedures in a workplace because they have the primary obligation to ensure a safe working environment. This responsibility includes creating policies and procedures that compliant with safety regulations and industry standards. By establishing lockout procedures, the employer ensures that energy sources are properly controlled during maintenance and servicing of machinery, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to employees.

Although employees play a critical role in following these procedures and the safety officer may assist in developing them, the ultimate accountability for the establishment and enforcement of lockout/tagout procedures lies with the employer. Local authorities typically set regulations and standards, but it is the employer who operationalizes these within their specific workplace. Thus, in the context of maintaining safety for workers during potentially hazardous work activities, the employer's role is crucial.