Construction work is full of moving parts, literally. Temporary power, energized panels, generators, equipment servicing, and tie-ins create constant exposure to hazardous energy. And unlike a fixed industrial plant, construction sites change daily. That makes Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) both more challenging and more important.
The goal isn’t to bury workers in paperwork. It’s to control energy long enough to do the job safely without dragging the schedule.
This guide breaks down the essentials: what counts as hazardous energy on construction sites, who does what, and the simplest LOTO flow crews can follow in the field.
What counts as hazardous energy in construction?
Most workers think LOTO only applies to large industrial equipment. But on construction sites, hazardous energy includes:
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Electrical (panels, breakers, temp power, circuits, generators)
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Mechanical (equipment movement, belts, rotating parts)
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Hydraulic (lifts, excavators, jacks, booms)
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Pneumatic (compressed air, hoses, tools)
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Stored energy (springs, suspended loads, pressure buildup)
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Gravity (raised buckets, booms, platforms, attachments)
If any of these can release suddenly and cause injury, they require control, not just caution.
For foundational training, see:
The mistake most construction crews make with LOTO
They rely on the electrician or the equipment operator to “take care of it.”
The truth is:
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Authorized workers apply LOTO
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Affected workers must stay clear
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Supervisors must verify controls before work starts
On construction sites, roles can blur. Someone who is “helping out” may not realize they’re stepping into hazardous energy territory.
A strong LOTO approach starts with everyone knowing which role they’re in.
LOTO in construction vs. LOTO in industry
Industrial LOTO
Construction LOTO
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Equipment and setups change daily
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Temporary power is everywhere
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Multiple subcontractors interacting
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Higher pressure to keep schedules moving
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Energized troubleshooting is more common
This is why construction LOTO must be simple, repeatable, and drilled into daily workflows, not buried in a binder.
A simple LOTO flow that works on construction sites
Use this model for most field situations:
1. Identify the energy
What powers the equipment? What could move, fall, rotate, or release?
2. Shut it down
Use controls, valves, switches, or stop buttons.
3. Isolate the energy source
4. Apply lock and tag
Every authorized worker applies their own lock. No group lock unless using an approved group lock box.
5. Release stored or residual energy
Bleed off pressure, lower suspended parts, discharge capacitors, block mechanical movement.
6. Verify
Try to start it. Attempt activation confirms isolation.
This step prevents the most incidents.
7. Perform the work
Only when full isolation is verified.
8. Remove locks and restore energy
In reverse order of the crew’s application.
This flow keeps the focus on the work, not the paperwork.
Where hazardous energy incidents happen most often on construction sites
1. Panel work and tie-ins
Someone assumes a panel is de-energized when it isn’t.
Solution: Always test before touch.
2. Equipment servicing
Changing buckets, greasing fittings, clearing jams.
Solution: Mechanical blocks, lowering attachments, relieving hydraulic pressure.
3. Temporary power troubleshooting
Electricians isolating circuits while other trades continue work nearby.
Solution: Clear boundaries + communication.
4. Pressurized systems
Air, water, hydraulic lines. A line that’s “just got a little pressure left” can still whip.
Solution: Full bleed-off and verification.
5. Shared equipment
Multiple subcontractors working on the same lift, pump, or generator.
Solution: Group lockout or controlled lockbox.
“LOTO slows us down”... how to fix that thinking
LOTO doesn’t slow the job. Unexpected energy release slows the job.
It leads to:
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injury
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equipment damage
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shutdowns
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investigations
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delays
When crews understand that LOTO is the fastest path to reliable, predictable work, compliance improves.
Keep the message simple: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
A quick hazardous energy checklist for supervisors
Use this once at the start of each shift:
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What work today involves electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or gravity hazards?
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Who is the authorized worker?
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Who are the affected workers?
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Have all energy sources been identified and labeled?
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Are locks and tags available and assigned?
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Has residual energy been relieved?
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Has someone verified isolation?
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Is there a clear boundary or exclusion zone?
Five minutes of checking prevents hours of downtime.
What training do crews actually need?
Construction teams don’t need a 50-module LOTO class. They need short, focused training that covers:
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identifying hazardous energy
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isolating construction equipment
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using locks and tags
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verifying isolation
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working around authorized personnel
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troubleshooting boundaries
Safety Evolution's training hub includes several options depending on role:
FAQ
Is LOTO required on construction sites?
Yes. Whenever workers service, maintain, or troubleshoot equipment or circuits, hazardous energy must be controlled.
Can multiple workers use one lock?
No. Each authorized worker must apply their own lock, or use a group lock box.
Is pulling a breaker enough?
Only if you verify it and ensure no stored or residual energy remains.
Why is LOTO more difficult in construction?
Constantly changing setups, multiple trades, and temporary power create unpredictable energy paths.
If you want fewer surprises and more control over hazardous energy on your sites, start with practical training your crews will actually use.
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