The author is a Global Product Manager at Master Lock Company, LLC, which is responsible for product management and marketing for the Safety Solutions portfolio. Master Lock is a leading manufacturer of lockout/tagout products, software, and services, and has provided OSHA compliant products for the market since 1990.
A comprehensive and effective lockout/tagout program is paramount for safety within any workplace where employees can be exposed to hazardous energy. The equipment and workforce within each facility is unique; therefore, lockout tagout programs and their implementation can vary significantly between companies. Unfortunately, many businesses often fail to implement an adequate lockout/tagout program within their facility or, in the worst case, don't practice the use of lockout/tagout at all. This is highlighted by the fact that lockout/tagout continues to be a top 10 OSHA violation each year.
