What is the significance of "control of hazardous energy"?

The significance of "control of hazardous energy" is primarily centered around the safety of employees who may be exposed to dangerous conditions when servicing or maintaining equipment. This practice, which is a core component of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standard, involves ensuring that all sources of hazardous energy—such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or thermal energy—are properly controlled before work begins.

By effectively isolating and locking out equipment, the risk of accidental startup or release of stored energy is mitigated, thus safeguarding workers from potential injuries or fatalities. The importance of this practice cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation of workplace safety protocols, ensuring that maintenance activities can be conducted without the presence of hazardous energy that could lead to unexpected incidents.

Other options relate to productivity, manufacturer guidelines, and cost reduction, which are secondary benefits of a robust LOTO program but do not capture the primary objective and significance of controlling hazardous energy. The main goal is indeed the protection of employees, making it the paramount reason for implementing such safety measures.