Let’s face it—no one clocks in thinking today’s the day they’ll get injured by a machine. But the reality is, across Canada, equipment-related injuries continue to happen all too often. And more often than not, it’s not a catastrophic failure that causes the damage—it’s a small, overlooked detail. A step skipped. A procedure rushed. A message that didn’t get passed along.
From power saws and hydraulic presses to conveyors and compactors, equipment that’s meant to make our jobs easier can quickly turn dangerous if not handled with the proper precautions. These machines don’t have instincts—they operate with force, pressure, and momentum. And when safety procedures break down, that’s when things go wrong.
Two of the most underused—and under-trained—tools in preventing these kinds of injuries are Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and equipment-specific training. If your workplace doesn’t have a solid grip on both, it’s a serious gap in your OH&S program.
And let’s be clear—LOTO isn’t just about flipping a breaker or pulling a plug. While electricity is often the first thing that comes to mind, it’s far from the only energy hazard. Effective Lockout/Tagout must account for all forms of hazardous energy, including:
Each of these energy sources can be deadly if left uncontrolled. A locked-out panel doesn’t mean much if there’s still hydraulic pressure built up in a system, or if a machine has moving parts held under tension.
That’s why LOTO procedures need to be comprehensive and tailored—not only to the type of machine but also to how it’s used, maintained, and cleaned. And why workers need real training, not just a checklist taped to a cabinet.
Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth—machines don’t know you’re there. They don’t pause because you’re “just doing a quick adjustment” or give you a five-second grace period to clear a jam. If equipment is energized—even partially—it has the potential to crush, cut, burn, or kill. That’s why Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) isn’t optional. It’s not paperwork. It’s not a formality. It’s the front line of defence between workers and life-altering injuries.
LOTO exists for one reason: to keep people safe when working around hazardous energy. When it’s ignored, rushed, or done incorrectly, the consequences are often catastrophic.
The data backs this up. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, contact with machinery continues to rank among the top causes of lost-time injury claims across all industries:
https://awcbc.org/data-and-statistics/national-work-injury-disease-statistics-program
And it’s not just high-risk manufacturing jobs. You’ll find LOTO-related risks wherever machines operate:
In any of these environments, stored energy—whether electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or otherwise—can lead to serious injury or death if not properly isolated. And the most tragic part? In many cases, it could’ve been prevented with a simple lock, a clear tag, and a well-trained worker.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a system of procedures used to completely isolate equipment from its energy sources before work begins. That energy might be electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, thermal, or even gravitational.
The CSA Z460-20 standard, which is the Canadian reference for control of hazardous energy, outlines a complete framework for how to do this safely. The process usually involves:
Sound like overkill? Tell that to the worker whose hand got crushed because a co-worker restarted a conveyor they didn’t know was being serviced.
CSA Standard Z460-20 full overview here:
https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/2427899/?srsltid=AfmBOoqhNBEM1E_5OcC5gs59jMAmdQjqGyYo7hZ4PD7y1SlBhVReEX1-
Under Canadian provincial and federal OHS legislation, Lockout/Tagout is not optional.
In Alberta, for example, the Occupational Health and Safety Code mandates that employers must ensure energy-isolating devices are secured, and that workers are trained in isolation procedures. Here’s the direct reference:
https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/OHS/OHSCode_December_2024.pdf (see Part 15 – Control of Hazardous Energy)
The Canada Labour Code, Part II, applies to federally regulated employers (e.g., airlines, banks, telecom, rail), and it contains similar provisions for energy control during maintenance work:
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/
Bottom line: whether you’re provincial or federal, you have to isolate energy sources and train your people.
Here’s the reality in many workplaces:
This kind of half-measure doesn’t just lead to injuries—it opens your business to liability, stop work orders, and fines. And in Alberta, OHS officers will ask for your written procedures, training records, and proof that your system works in practice—not just on paper.
Even if you’ve nailed your LOTO procedures, it won’t matter if your people don’t understand the machines they’re working with.
Equipment-specific training is the second half of the safety puzzle. Every machine is different. Each has its own quirks, risks, and required steps for safe shutdown and reactivation. Your team needs to know:
This isn’t stuff you can cover with a one-size-fits-all handout. It requires tailored training that addresses the actual models your team uses, the environment they work in, and the tasks they perform.
At Calgary Safety Consultants (https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca), we’ve worked with businesses across Alberta to build real-world, CSA-compliant Lockout/Tagout programs and deliver equipment-specific training that sticks.
Here’s what we offer:
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter programs. Our approach is grounded in legislation, real experience, and a no-nonsense mindset. Because safety isn’t just compliance—it’s capability.
We’ll be honest with you—most companies think they have LOTO under control, but few can confidently pass an unannounced inspection or audit. If you’re not sure where your program stands, we can help you figure it out.
Start with a Gap Analysis or a site-specific program review, and we’ll give you a clear, jargon-free plan to close the gaps—without blowing your budget or creating a pile of paperwork no one reads.
Connect with us here:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/contact-us/
If you’re still in the “we’ve never had a problem” mindset, that’s luck—not a plan. It only takes one missed lock, one untrained contractor, or one forgotten energy source to change a life forever.
Lockout/Tagout and equipment-specific training are two of the most critical, most enforceable, and most neglected areas in workplace safety. You don’t need a safety buzzword strategy—you need a real program.
And if you need help, we’ve got your back. Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real results.
We don’t just talk safety—we build systems that work.
Lockout/tagout is a safety procedure used to isolate hazardous energy in equipment during maintenance or repair. It involves locking energy sources in the “off” position and tagging them to indicate the equipment cannot be operated.
Key steps include shutting down equipment, isolating energy sources, applying locks and tags, releasing stored energy, and verifying isolation before beginning work.
Yes. Under both provincial and federal OH&S legislation—including Alberta’s OHS Code and the Canada Labour Code—LOTO procedures are required for hazardous energy control.
CSA Z460-20 outlines best practices for the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of LOTO systems. It’s Canada’s go-to standard for hazardous energy control.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
