VISIT RIMKUS
Applied Safety + Ergonomics

Our consultants provide expert analysis of incidents involving unintended machine start-up and contact with hazardous energy.  We take a holistic approach to understanding occupational accidents involving equipment and processes, including designs that facilitate de-energization and lock-out, procedures for preventing contact with hazardous energy, worker training, warnings, and human error.

System Lock-out / Tag-out (LOTO) matters commonly addressed:

  • Factors leading to unintended machine start-up
  • Methods for energy isolation and control
  • System design to facilitate LOTO
  • LOTO devices
  • Adequacy of LOTO procedures – content and presentation
  • Group LOTO procedures
  • System status verification
  • Program and compliance auditing
  • LOTO program management
  • OSHA citation evaluation
  • Training and procedure communication
  • Warnings and labeling
  • Human Factors of non-compliance (error, behavior, etc.)

Common scenarios with Lock-out / Tag-out implications include:

  • Maintenance accidents
  • Improper use of machine interlocks and stop controls
  • Process upsets, such as jam clearing and actuation of emergency stops
  • Machine cleaning
  • Adjusting, testing, re-positioning, and re-setting
  • Confined space entry(e.g., de-energizing pumps and conveyors, pipe system isolation)

We provide:

  • Evaluation of lock-out / tag-out programs and procedures
  • Consultation on warnings and hazard communication
  • Expert testimony in litigation

 

For more information please contact us at (734) 994-9400.


Contact Us

For immediate inquiries or assistance please contact our Ann Arbor, Michigan office at
1.734.994.9400 or info@appliedsafety.com

Applied Safety and Ergonomics has been providing valuable analysis, insight, answers, training, data, and problem solving strategies in consultation and expert witness capacities to help clients make informed decisions since 1994.