What is the consequence of not performing inspections as required by OSHA Lockout/Tagout standards?

Not performing inspections as required by OSHA Lockout/Tagout standards directly leads to potential safety hazards. The purpose of inspections is to ensure that lockout/tagout procedures are being followed correctly and that the energy control measures in place are effective. By failing to conduct these inspections, there is a significant risk that unsafe practices could go unnoticed, which might result in accidental energization of machinery or equipment during maintenance or service activities. This could expose workers to serious injuries or fatalities, as they might not be adequately protected from hazardous energy sources.

While increased operational costs, decreased employee morale, and increased regulatory scrutiny can be consequences of non-compliance with safety standards, the most immediate and critical concern is the safety of the employees working with or around potentially hazardous machinery. Protecting worker safety is the primary goal of the Lockout/Tagout standards, making the identification and mitigation of safety hazards the most pertinent consequence of failing to perform required inspections.