Episode 14 - Lockout/Tagout Employee Classifications

Episode 14 breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard: the three employee classifications. Dr. Ayers and Bryan Haywood explain that LOTO failures often happen not because procedures are missing, but because employees don’t understand their specific role in the process.

The core message: LOTO only works when each employee knows their classification — and the responsibilities that come with it.

  🧑‍🏭 The Three LOTO Employee Classifications

OSHA recognizes three distinct roles, each with different expectations and training requirements.

  🟦 1. Authorized Employees

These are the workers who perform lockout/tagout.

They are responsible for:

• Identifying all energy sources

• Applying locks and tags

• Verifying zero energy

• Performing the servicing or maintenance work

• Removing their own locks when the job is complete

Key point: Only authorized employees may apply or remove LOTO devices.

  🟩 2. Affected Employees

These employees operate or use the equipment being locked out, or work in the area where LOTO is taking place.

They must understand:

• What LOTO is

• Why equipment is locked out

• That they may not remove locks or attempt to restart equipment

• How LOTO affects their job tasks

Key point: Affected employees do not perform LOTO — but they must respect it.

  🟥 3. Other Employees

Anyone who may be in the area but does not operate or service the equipment.

They must know:

• What locks and tags mean

• To stay clear of equipment under LOTO

• Who to notify if they see a problem

Key point: Awareness prevents accidental interference.

  ⚠️ Why These Classifications Matter

The episode highlights that many LOTO incidents occur because:

• Workers don’t know which classification they fall under

• Affected employees mistakenly think they can remove tags

• Other employees interfere with equipment they don’t understand

• Supervisors assume everyone has the same level of training

• Contractors are not properly classified or briefed

Clear classification prevents confusion — and injuries.

  🧭 Training Requirements by Classification Authorized Employees

• Detailed energy‑control training

• Hands‑on practice

• Equipment‑specific procedures

• Verification techniques

Affected Employees

• Purpose of LOTO

• How LOTO impacts their work

• Prohibition on restarting equipment

Other Employees

• General awareness

• Meaning of locks and tags

• Staying clear of LOTO operations

  🧰 Leadership Best Practices

Dr. Ayers and Bryan emphasize:

• Clearly identify who is authorized vs. affected

• Use rosters, badges, or training records to avoid confusion

• Ensure contractors are classified correctly

• Reinforce that each worker removes their own lock

• Conduct periodic audits to verify understanding

• Train supervisors to recognize classification drift

The episode’s core message: LOTO is a team effort — but only when each team member knows their role.