Effective lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices are critical toward maintaining a safe workplace, especially in high-risk industries such as Ontario’s forest products sectors. According to the most recent risk assessment exercise conducted with industry partners from Ontario’s corrugating sector, inadequate or improper lockout of machinery is the top hazard that keeps employers up at night.
Lockout/tagout procedures are designed to prevent accidental machine startup or the release of hazardous energy during maintenance and repair activities. Despite ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety, LOTO remains a priority risk in the forest products industry, with incidents still occurring due to improper or inadequate procedures. Ensuring that lockout/tagout practices are followed correctly is vital to protecting workers from severe injuries or even fatalities.
To assist employers, joint health and safety committees, and other workplace stakeholders in improving their LOTO programs, Workplace Safety North has released a new, easy-to-use lockout/tagout assessment tool. This tool enables organizations to assess the effectiveness of their current lockout/tagout practices, training programs, policies, and process flows. By using the assessment tool, workplaces can identify potential gaps in their safety measures and take proactive steps to improve worker protection.
A strong health and safety culture is essential for the success of any workplace safety program. In forest products sectors (and all other industries across Ontario), fostering a culture of safety not only helps protect workers but also supports the effectiveness of safety programs. Workers should feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns and should receive proper training to ensure they can execute lockout/tagout measures confidently and correctly. Employers, in turn, must continuously evaluate and improve their safety protocols to meet industry standards and safeguard their teams.
For more information on lockout/tagout best practices and the new assessment tool, contact Workplace Safety North. Let’s work together to create safer workplaces in Ontario’s forest products industry.
Related
Lockout and guarding resources – WSN
Provincial corrugating sector risk assessment workshop results – WSN
Non-routine hazardous tasks in mines – Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development