Inadequate Lockout/tag out (LOTO) of equipment has been identified as the top health and safety risk
and opportunity for Ontario's food manufacturing sector following a comprehensive risk assessment
that engaged stakeholders at all levels of the industry.
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Food Manufacturing Sector are working
together to develop solutions that address the top ten primary causal factors for inadequate lockout/
tag out in this sector. This document provides some clarity on current resources and workplace best
practices that address these risks.
Top 10 Primary Causal Factors
1. Leadership Commitment
2. Lack of Procedures (program)
3. Inadequate Training
4. Low Risk Perception/Acceptance of Risk
5. Rushing
6. Procedures Not Followed
7. Inadequate Monitoring and Enforcement/
Inadequate LOTO Devices
8. Lockout Point Not Accessible
9. Inadequate Procedure
10. Inadequate Metrics (production rate, downtime,
financial growth)
Five recommendations were put forward by the working group to address inadequate LOTO in the
food manufacturing industry. For each recommendation, we have provided links to associated WSPS
solutions, many of which are free! You can also visit our Resource Hub and connect with a consultant
if you have additional questions.
Recommendation
1. Provide Information
Description Resources
Provide information on the importance of
effective lockout/tag out
Explain risks of hazardous energy and provide
examples of injuries/prosecutions resulting from
inadequate lockout/tag out. Target the message
to workers and senior leadership
Training Services
Lockout Tagout Safety Essentials
Lockout Tagout (eCourse)
Electrical Hazards (eCourse)
Information Resources
Lockout and Tag Out: do it right with these expert tips
How do employers know when the lockout was done
correctly?
What is the correct way to complete a lockout?
What can happen if lockout is not properly completed?
What is the impact on a business if incidents are not
reported?
Can supervisors be charged under the Occupational Health
and Safety Act?
Food Manufacturing Root Cause Analysis Lockout/Tag Out
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