The Lockout tagout program relies only on paper files, which can be a big challenge to properly execute the Lockout tagout program. One of the best ways to create or update a Lockout tagout program is to connect workers through a digital system platform. As we all know, workplace safety, time and details matter. Effective communication is the key to working safely in a dangerous environment. Digital platforms can provide workers with interactive checklists of procedures (which may require a live photo of Lockout tagout) and interactive job tickets. Features of digital solutions may include immediate guidance and communication, which can trigger alerts to front-line workers and report problems to supervisors, who can quickly identify problems and assign action.

Here are four ways Lockout tagout digital solutions create a safer workplace:

1. Immediate support and communication
Lockout tagout programs play a vital role in protecting life and property, so these security systems require reliability and good communication. Both employees and management must be very aware of procedures, timing and results. With that comes the need for two-way communication and immediate support. This is especially important for industries where supervisors may not be on site during Lockout tagout, or equipment may be locked out by off-duty employees. If not well thought out, communication can go wrong and could affect worker safety. Therefore, communication is the key link of Lockout tagout program planning.
2. Collect data automatically
Data collection is critical when connecting front-line workers. Digital solutions can help companies get data directly from front-line workers to solve security and operational issues faster. Data insights and communication skills support the right conversation at the right time, resulting in cost and time savings. Companies can use data reported by workers to document potential problems and provide immediate insight into problem areas. The right tools can increase engagement and ultimately enable companies to use data to understand what is happening, identify gaps and act quickly on information. Front-line workers will benefit from a digital system that enhances employee safety awareness and sensitivity through reminders and situational considerations in Lockout tagout procedures.
3. Trigger alerts and interventions Management can be kept informed when front-line workers and supervisors are associated with captured data, and employee concerns may trigger alerts that escalate messages. Another advantage of the digital solution is that front-line workers can take photos while performing Lockout tagout. When Lockout tagout needs a photo, they can keep track of when/if a physical lock is being used. Also, if something goes wrong, they can trigger the problem before and during Lockout tagout and document the problem with photos. Once a problem occurs, data can be quickly collected and reported to management. This is beneficial to both workers and supervisors. For workers, it provides accountability and helps encourage workers not to cut corners or cut corners in the process. For supervisors, these messages, triggers, and information upgrades allow management to understand what is being done during the lock-listing process and where improvements must be made. This can help prevent employee injury or death.

4. The basis for continuous improvement
The digital Lockout tagout program not only provides management with the tools to support compliance management, but also provides real data from the front line. This data is invaluable for process improvement and accident prevention. Data provided by digital platforms can provide management with leading indicators to support continuous improvement compared to data in paper or spreadsheets. Combining leading indicators with advanced analysis that pinpoints trends and patterns is critical to identifying root causes and making proactive changes to help support and ensure compliance management of processes and reduce potential harm.
In "Lockout tagout and Isolation Management, Not one less", it is further stated that employees should receive relevant training of Lockout tagout and have corresponding knowledge of electrical, mechanical and chemical aspects to obtain the qualification of Lockout tagout. And put forward, if the realization of the digital Lockout tagout process, can be interconnected with the electronic work ticket process, so as to ensure that each step of the Lockout tagout process can be implemented, contribute to the effective communication between the maintenance team and the operation team, to meet the requirements of the relevant regulations. Most importantly, implementing Lockout tagout isolation requirements by process and step by step can help enterprises improve operational efficiency and effectively reduce the incidence of accidents.