What is a key benefit of following LOTO procedures?

Enhancing worker safety during maintenance is a fundamental benefit of following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. LOTO is designed to protect workers from the unexpected energization or startup of machines and equipment that could occur while they are being serviced or maintained. By ensuring that all energy sources are adequately controlled and that machinery is properly locked and tagged, LOTO significantly reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities. This protective measure is crucial, especially in environments where employees might be working in proximity to hazardous energy sources.

In contrast to the other options, which may touch on operational aspects without direct relevance to worker protection, the primary aim of LOTO is to create a safe working environment. While it may incidentally affect production time, machine cleaning, and collaboration, these are not the primary goals of implementing LOTO procedures. The emphasis is squarely on safeguarding the health and safety of workers during potentially dangerous maintenance activities.