Not effectively de-energizing equipment prior to maintenance is a major cause of electrical injuries.

LOTO procedures are designed to prevent unexpected energization and protect workers from electrocution, arc flash, and equipment hazards. However, shortcuts, inadequate training, or absent verification steps frequently result in serious occasionally deadly incidents.

What Is LOTO?

Lockout/Tagout refers to the process of isolating energy sources and ensuring that machinery or electrical systems remain de-energized and inoperable while maintenance or repair is underway. It’s a fundamental part of electrical safety, governed by standards such as CSA Z460 and OSHA 1910.147.

But here’s the truth: LOTO failures are one of the leading causes of preventable injuries and fatalities in electrical and industrial environments.

Why Is LOTO So Often Ignored or Misapplied?

Despite its importance, LOTO procedures are frequently rushed, bypassed, or forgotten entirely. Why?

• Overconfidence or familiarity: “I’ve worked on this panel a hundred times.”

• Time pressure: Downtime costs money, so corners get cut.

• Poor documentation: Paper-based LOTO plans get lost or never updated.

• Lack of training: New workers may not fully understand their responsibilities.

• No accountability: If no one verifies the lockout, is it really enforced?

These gaps create invisible risk. Equipment that appears safe can still be energized. And one wrong assumption can lead to arc flash, electrocution, or even fatal incidents.

The Real Cost of Skipping LOTO

According to Workplace Safety North and other leading safety organizations, improper LOTO contributes to a significant portion of serious electrical injuries across Canada each year. These are not just compliance issues – they’re life-altering events.

Beyond the human toll, companies face:

• Regulatory fines

• Lawsuits

• Project delays

• Reputational damage

Safety isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting people and keeping operations running smoothly.

How e-WorkSAFE Helps Reinforce LOTO in the Field

With e-WorkSAFE, organizations can take their Lockout/Tagout procedures digital and enforceable. Our mobile-first platform gives supervisors and technicians:

• Clear step-by-step LOTO procedures tied to each task
• Photo and timestamp verification of lockouts
• Digital sign-offs and accountability for everyone involved
• Real-time alerts if steps are missed or skipped
• Audit-ready records to support compliance and investigations

No more guessing. No more paper binders. Just transparent, consistent safety processes that empower crews to do the job right – every time.

e-WorkSAFE providing hands-on Lock Out/Tag Out Training to all type of employees and any size of facilities, in addition, the software solution allows digitally document, trac

k, and verify LOTO procedures, ensuring that every safety step is followed, every time.

LOTO Isn’t Optional – It’s Life-Saving

Electrical energy is silent, invisible, and unforgiving. That’s what makes Lockout/Tagout so essential. At e-WorkSAFE, we believe that every LOTO step matters, and we’re here to make it easier to do them correctly.

Because in electrical work, what you don’t see can hurt you. And the safest teams are the ones who don’t take shortcuts.

Want to strengthen your LOTO program?
Book a demo to see how e-WorkSAFE helps your team lock out risks—for good.

e-WorkSAFE  – Operational Excellence Through Safety and Efficiency