We blog often about lockout tagout, and the need to ensure your lockout tagout procedures are properly implemented and properly monitored. If they are not, there is a real risk to employee safety and a real risk that the company will be cited by OSHA. Lockout tagout is governed by OSHA Standard 1910.147; if you have never reviewed this standard, please do so.

In 2011, a horrible accident at an Adams Thermal Systems plant in South Dakota left one man dead. Two years, and several hundred thousand dollars in lawyer fees, later, Adams Thermal Systems has agreed to pay $1.33 million in fines to OSHA and to make an additional $450,000 payment to the man’s widow. And the executives here got off light; they were facing potential criminal charges.

I know we sound like a broken record at times, but the truth is that workplace safety is one of the few things that are 100% in your control at work. You cannot control the price of raw materials or public demand, but you can ensure you have an adequate safety plan in place.

If you have not recently had your facility audited, it might be time to consider a third party safety audit. And if you are not confident in your lockout tagout procedures, please bring in a professional to help.

If you have any questions about any workplace safety issues at your company, please contact us. And if you have anything to add about the tragedy in South Dakota, please leave a comment.