Profile
In the year 2000, following professional investigation and analysis of numerous fatalities and serious injuries, we realised that existing lockout/tagout methods all had flaws and gaps in the system. These were failings that could result in accidental or deliberate compromise of the integrity of those systems, thereby placing the people it was meant to protect, at risk
We began to design and develop our own lockout/tagout system using the principle of "reverse engineering" out the inherant problems by constantly "challenging" the system. We designed it for how people work in practice, not how people work in theory. We took into account incidents where lockout/tagout systems had failed or been defeated and considered ways of preventing that failure while concurrently maintaining the simplicity that would encourage people to use it because it was easy.
As we began to develop the procedures, it quickly became apparent that we required an entire range of lockout equipment, that would be able to withstand, not only the rigours of a salt water environment but also coal, iron ore and other contaminants as well.
In some instances we needed to design and manufacture equipment where no such device existed before.
By 2003, the system had quickly been adopted by the maritime industry and two fleet operators we were working with had reduced their personnel injury rates by 96% and 90% respectively. As a consequence, the system was awarded an Australian Federal Government award, for "The Best Solution to a Major OH&S risk," at the inaugural Sea Care Authority awards.
Our Motive.
Lockout/Tagout of energy sources, is widely used and accepted in many industries, to prevent inadvertent release of hazardous energy. In many jurisdictions such as under OSHA in the United States, a lockout/tagout system is mandatory.
Under the duty of care requirements, of various State and Federal OH&S laws, an employer, must take all reasonable steps, to ensure that the workplace is without risk, to the health and safety of all employees.
The proper use of an intergrated lockout system, can dramatically increase the safety of the workplace and prevent serious injury.
Using the Lockout for Life system encourages employees to become involved in ensuring their own safety through involvement in the process and by being the "owner" of their personal safety lock.
At Lockout for Life, isolation of hazards and the control of risk is not just our business, it is our passion!
