Why is it important to notify affected employees when a lockout procedure begins?

Notifying affected employees when a lockout procedure begins is crucial because it ensures their awareness of potential hazards. When maintenance or repair work is taking place, the equipment being serviced may pose serious risks if not properly controlled. By alerting employees, they understand that work is being performed and that they should avoid the area or any related tasks that may put them at risk. This communication is a fundamental part of maintaining safety in the workplace, as it helps prevent accidents and injuries that could occur if employees inadvertently engage with or come near locked-out machinery.

This practice forms part of the broader principles of the OSHA Lockout/Tagout regulation, which aims to protect workers from the unexpected start-up of machines or release of hazardous energy while they are performing maintenance activities.