Affected Employee Responsibilities In Lockout Tagout
Affected employee responsibilities are a critical part of any Lockout Tagout (LOTO) program designed to protect workers from hazardous energy. While they do not apply or remove lockout devices themselves, affected employees must be fully trained to recognize when equipment is under lockout and to understand their role in maintaining a safe work environment. Whether in electrical, mechanical, or industrial settings, their awareness and cooperation directly contribute to the prevention of accidental energization and workplace injuries. Compliance with OSHA regulations requires clear training and communication so that affected personnel know what to do—and what not to do—during servicing operations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines specific roles for authorized and affected employees within a Lockout Tagout program. When an employee becomes an authorized worker, their duties include performing servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment, which may involve isolating a hazardous energy source and preventing the release of stored energy. Affected employees, on the other hand, may enter the area in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment, but only under certain controlled conditions. It is critical that all servicing or maintenance covered by Lockout Tagout procedures is clearly understood and that each employee’s responsibilities are properly defined and enforced to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Read more about OSHA Lockout Tagout Regulations.
Understanding the Role of an Affected Employee
In the context of Lockout Tagout safety programs, an affected employee is someone who operates or uses equipment that may be serviced or maintained under LOTO protocols. These individuals may not perform servicing activities themselves, but they work in the area where such activities take place or may be exposed to machines that are locked or tagged out.
Key Responsibilities of Affected Employees:
-
Recognize Lockout/Tagout Devices
Affected employees must be able to identify when equipment has been locked out and understand that they are not permitted to operate or restart it under any circumstance. -
Follow Communication Protocols
They should always be informed before lockout procedures begin and again before equipment is re-energized. Understanding and respecting communication channels is vital to their role. -
Avoid Interference
Affected employees are strictly prohibited from removing locks, tags, or energy isolating devices. Their responsibility is to stay clear of equipment being serviced and to respect all physical barriers and signage. -
Participate in Awareness Training
OSHA requires that affected employees receive Lockout Tagout training to understand the purpose and importance of energy control procedures, even if they are not applying the locks themselves. -
Report Unsafe Conditions
If an affected employee notices missing tags, tampered lockout devices, or unauthorized activity, they must report it immediately. Their vigilance supports the overall safety of the worksite.
OSHA and CSA Requirements
According to OSHA (29 CFR 1910.147), employers must ensure that all affected employees are trained to recognize LOTO procedures and understand the importance of not attempting to restart locked-out equipment. In Canada, CSA Z460 outlines similar responsibilities under its Control of Hazardous Energy standard.
Why Affected Employee Responsibilities Matter
Although they are not directly applying locks or performing maintenance, affected employees play a major role in maintaining safe conditions. Their situational awareness, understanding of procedures, and cooperation with authorized personnel help prevent the release of hazardous energy—especially in high-risk environments such as electrical substations, industrial plants, and power distribution systems.
Affected employees serve as the eyes and ears of workplace safety when Lockout Tagout procedures are underway. Their training, discipline, and awareness reduce the risk of serious injuries, regulatory violations, and equipment damage. Employers must ensure worker responsibilities are clearly defined, documented, and reinforced through ongoing education and communication.
Read More About Lockout Tagout
Back to Lockout Tagout Questions
Return to the Lockout Tagout Overview Page
