Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and when it comes to controlling hazardous energy, proper training is non-negotiable. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) training is critical for preventing injuries and fatalities caused by unexpected machine startups or the release of stored energy. As an employer, understanding which employees need LOTO training and ensuring they receive it is vital to protecting your team and staying compliant with OSHA regulations.

This blog will help you determine who requires LOTO training, the benefits of compliance, and how online LOTO training can simplify the process.

What Is Lock Out/Tag Out Training?

LOTO training equips employees with the knowledge and skills to safely de-energize and lock out machinery during servicing or maintenance. According to the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 Control of Hazardous Energy standard, employers must provide LOTO training to all employees involved in these processes to prevent accidental injuries or fatalities.

Without proper training, employees are at risk of severe injuries, and employers face potential penalties, operational disruptions, and significant reputational damage. But the stakes are even higher: a single mistake can cost an employee their life. The emotional toll of such a tragedy extends far beyond the workplace. Employers often grapple with guilt and moral responsibility, knowing that proper training could have prevented a life-altering accident.

Which Employees Need LOTO Training?

Not every employee in your workplace needs LOTO training, but several groups must receive it to ensure safety and compliance. 

Here are the three types of workers who need lock-out / tag-out training:

1. Authorized Employees

Authorized employees are directly responsible for performing LOTO procedures.

These workers must:

• Shut down and isolate machinery.
• Apply locks and tags.
• Verify that energy sources are de-energized before starting maintenance or servicing.

Examples include maintenance personnel, machine operators, and repair technicians.

2. Affected Employees

Affected employees work in areas where LOTO procedures are performed but do not apply locks or tags themselves.

These employees must understand:

• The importance of LOTO procedures.
• How to recognize when LOTO is being performed.
• How to avoid tampering with locks or tags.

Examples include production workers and equipment operators.

3. Other Employees

All other employees who may be exposed to machinery or hazardous energy must receive basic awareness training.

They need to know:

• What LOTO is.
• Why it’s important.
• How to recognize LOTO devices.

This ensures everyone in the workplace understands their role in maintaining a safe environment.

Do Supervisors Need LOTO Training?

Yes! Supervisors should, at minimum, complete the same LOTO training that their direct reports complete. This is because supervisors have the duty of promoting and enforcing LOTO policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Without LOTO training, supervisors unable to recognize when workers are complying with safety guidelines and requirements.

The Consequences of Inadequate LOTO Training

Failing to provide proper LOTO training can have devastating consequences.

If employees don’t understand how to safely control hazardous energy, the risks include:

• Severe Injuries or Fatalities: Sudden machine startups or energy releases can lead to amputations, fractures, or even death.
• Moral and Ethical Concerns: Employers may experience guilt and responsibility for preventable incidents.
• OSHA Penalties: Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal action, and mandated shutdowns.
• Operational Disruptions: Accidents often halt production and lead to costly downtime.

Imagine the ripple effects of a fatal accident.

Families lose loved ones, colleagues lose friends, and the workplace atmosphere is forever changed.

Beyond the emotional devastation, employers face public scrutiny, legal battles, and the constant question of “What if?”

Proper LOTO training isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a moral imperative to protect the lives of those who trust you as their employer.

Overcoming Common Employer Challenges

Employers face several challenges when implementing LOTO training, including:

• High Employee Turnover: Regularly training new employees can strain resources.
• Lack of Internal Trainers: Many businesses don’t have staff qualified to deliver LOTO training.
• Compliance Complexity: Keeping up with OSHA and ANSI standards can be overwhelming.

Online LOTO training can address these pain points, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution that ensures your team stays compliant.

Why Choose Online LOTO Training?

Our online Lock Out/Tag Out certification program is designed to meet the needs of modern workplaces, combining flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive content.

Here’s what sets our program apart:

Aligned with OSHA and ANSI Standards: Meets all regulatory requirements to keep your workplace compliant.

Self-Paced and Interactive: Employees can learn at their own speed, making it easier to fit training into busy schedules.

Average Duration: 90 Minutes: Quick yet thorough training ensures minimal disruption to operations.

Diploma-Style Certificate: Recognizable proof of training completion.

Wallet Card Certificate: Easy for employees to carry and present.

Training Management Tools: Simplify tracking and managing employee certifications.

By choosing our training, you’re investing in a safer workplace and demonstrating your commitment to employee well-being.

If you prefer a traditional instructor-led approach, we also offer LOTO train-the-trainer programs and complete LOTO instructor packages that include all the training materials needed to facilitate onsite training.

Benefits of Proper LOTO Training

Providing LOTO training has benefits that extend beyond compliance.

Here’s why it’s a smart investment:

• Improved Safety: Proper training reduces the likelihood of accidents, creating a safer environment for everyone.
• Enhanced Productivity: Employees who feel safe are more focused and productive.
• Reduced Liability: Compliance minimizes the risk of fines, legal issues, and reputational harm.
• Stronger Team Morale: A culture of safety shows employees that their well-being is a priority.

Ready to Protect Your Workforce?

Don’t leave safety to chance. Providing Lock Out/Tag Out training is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your employees and ensure compliance with OSHA standards.

Our online LOTO training program makes it easy to equip your team with the knowledge they need to prevent accidents and stay safe. Purchase our training today and take the first step toward a safer, more productive workplace!