What is a potential risk if energy control procedures are not followed?

If energy control procedures are not followed, the most significant potential risk is employee injuries from hazardous energy sources. These procedures are designed to ensure that machinery and equipment are properly shut down and made inoperable during maintenance or servicing. When the required lockout/tagout measures are not implemented, there is a high risk of accidental machine start-up or release of stored energy, which can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities among employees working on or near the equipment.

The importance of adhering to these procedures cannot be overstated, as they provide the necessary safeguards to protect workers from the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of uncontrolled energy. This focus on safety is essential in any workplace involving machinery, highlighting the critical nature of following established energy control protocols to maintain a safe working environment.