Many industries make use of large amounts of energy for the operation of large machinery, electrical equipment, and heat powered mechanisms. The control of such energy through lock out tag out procedures can prevent potentially fatal injuries to those performing repairs. The goal of lock out tag out programs is to eliminate injuries like electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating, amputating, fractures, and others that could occur because of a failure to control dangerous energy.

Lockout tagout programs require that all sources of hazardous power be isolated and rendered inoperative before repairs are conducted, a policy that is especially important because of the confined space in which mechanical repairs tend to occur. These repairs can be difficult because of space limitations, and a lack of lockout tagout training could put repair workers into dangerous situations that are difficult to reverse. Within confined spaces, hazardous liquids and gases can quickly take effect, and due to the confined nature of the space, rescue can be extremely difficult.

Lockout tagout programs help to ensure the safety of workers, preventing them from being harmed by the release of hazardous stored energy. Lock out tag out training should be administered to all employees in workplaces where such accidents are likely to occur. Lockout tagout programs can be life saving, and lock out tag out training could be the difference between life and death.