Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence KPI

What is Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence?
The frequency of proper implementation of lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance or repair work, preventing accidental equipment startup.

View Benchmarks




Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence is critical for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

High adherence rates directly influence operational efficiency and reduce incidents, leading to improved employee morale and lower insurance costs.

Companies with robust adherence programs often see a decrease in downtime, enhancing overall productivity.

This KPI serves as a leading indicator of a company's commitment to safety culture, which can significantly impact financial health.

By tracking this metric, organizations can identify gaps in training and compliance, ultimately driving better business outcomes.

Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence Interpretation

High adherence rates indicate a strong safety culture and effective training programs. Low values may suggest insufficient training or a lack of commitment to safety protocols. Ideal targets typically exceed 90% adherence.

  • 90% and above – Excellent adherence; strong safety culture
  • 70%–89% – Moderate adherence; review training and compliance
  • Below 70% – Critical issues; immediate intervention needed

Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence Benchmarks

We have 2 relevant benchmarks in our benchmarks database.

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only percent small businesses machine workstations metal fabrication 221 businesses

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only percent mean small businesses baseline and 12-month follow-up LOTO procedures score across businesses metal fabrication 160 businesses

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Common Pitfalls

Many organizations underestimate the importance of consistent training and communication regarding lockout/tagout procedures.

  • Neglecting regular training updates can lead to outdated knowledge among employees. Without refreshers, workers may forget critical steps, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Failing to document procedures accurately creates confusion. Inconsistent or unclear documentation can result in improper lockout/tagout practices, jeopardizing safety.
  • Overlooking the importance of management buy-in undermines safety initiatives. When leadership does not prioritize adherence, employees may perceive safety protocols as optional.
  • Ignoring employee feedback on safety practices can lead to unaddressed concerns. Without a mechanism for input, organizations miss opportunities to improve procedures and enhance safety.

KPI Depot is trusted by consulting, strategy, finance, and analytics teams at leading organizations worldwide, including those listed below.

AAMC Accenture AXA Bristol Myers Squibb Capgemini DBS Bank Dell Delta Emirates Global Aluminum EY GSK GlaskoSmithKline Honeywell IBM Mitre Northrup Grumman Novo Nordisk NTT Data PepsiCo Samsung Suntory TCS Tata Consultancy Services Vodafone

Improvement Levers

Enhancing lockout/tagout adherence requires a proactive approach to training and communication.

  • Implement regular training sessions to reinforce lockout/tagout procedures. Frequent refreshers help maintain employee awareness and compliance, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Establish clear documentation for all procedures and ensure easy access. Well-organized resources improve understanding and adherence among employees.
  • Encourage a culture of safety by involving employees in safety discussions. Engaging workers in safety initiatives fosters ownership and accountability.
  • Utilize technology to track adherence and identify gaps. Reporting dashboards can provide real-time insights into compliance levels, enabling timely interventions.

Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence Case Study Example

A mid-sized manufacturing firm faced challenges with lockout/tagout procedure adherence, resulting in several near-miss incidents. The company’s adherence rate hovered around 65%, raising alarms among safety managers. To address this, the firm launched a comprehensive safety initiative called “Safe Operations,” led by the COO. The initiative included enhanced training programs, clearer documentation, and regular safety audits.

Within 6 months, adherence rates improved to 88%. Employees reported feeling more confident in their understanding of safety protocols, leading to a significant reduction in near-miss incidents. The company also implemented a feedback loop, allowing workers to voice concerns and suggest improvements. This engagement fostered a culture of safety and accountability.

As a result, the firm not only enhanced its safety performance but also improved its overall operational efficiency. The reduction in incidents led to lower insurance premiums and increased employee morale. The success of the “Safe Operations” initiative positioned the company as a leader in workplace safety within its industry.

Related KPIs


What is the standard formula?
(Number of Correct Lockout/Tagout Adherences / Total Number of Maintenance Activities) * 100


Unlock all 35,625 source-attributed benchmarks.
Comparable benchmark data services start at $2,400 per year.
See all 2 benchmarks for Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence
Access to 35,625 benchmarks
Access to 24,181 KPIs
Interactive Strategy Maps on every plan
13 attributes per KPI (view)

Compare Plans

KPI Categories

This KPI is associated with the following categories and industries in our KPI database:



KPI Depot takes you from KPI intelligence to finished deliverable. Consultants, strategy teams, FP&A leaders, and analytics teams use it to answer the two hardest questions in performance management, what to measure and what the target should be, and then to produce the scorecard itself.

The difference is intelligence, not just data. Anyone can list metrics. Every KPI in KPI Depot carries 13 practical attributes, from formula and measurement approach to diagnostic questions, risk warnings, and Balanced Scorecard perspective, across 15 corporate functions and 153 industries. And every target you set is grounded in our database of 34,304 source-attributed benchmarks, each detailing metric value, company size, time period, industry, geography, sample size, and source. Benchmark data at this scale is otherwise the domain of research services costing thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

When your metrics are selected, KPI Depot finishes the job: export an interactive Strategy Map, a Balanced Scorecard with formulas and tracking columns, or a CSV KPI pack, and go from research to working deliverable in hours instead of weeks.

Formerly the Flevy KPI Library, KPI Depot is trusted by teams at organizations including Accenture, EY, IBM, PepsiCo, Samsung, and Vodafone.

Got a question? Email us at [email protected].

FAQs about Lockout/Tagout Procedure Adherence

What is the importance of lockout/tagout procedures?

Lockout/tagout procedures are essential for preventing accidental machine startups during maintenance. They protect workers from serious injuries and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

How often should training be conducted?

Training should be conducted at least annually, with additional sessions whenever new equipment is introduced or existing procedures change. Regular updates keep employees informed and compliant.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Non-compliance can lead to severe injuries, regulatory fines, and increased insurance costs. It can also damage a company's reputation and employee morale.

How can technology improve adherence?

Technology can streamline training and documentation processes. Digital tools can provide real-time tracking of adherence and facilitate easier access to safety resources.

What role does management play in adherence?

Management plays a crucial role in prioritizing safety culture. Their commitment to lockout/tagout procedures sets the tone for the entire organization and influences employee behavior.

Can employee feedback impact safety procedures?

Yes, employee feedback is vital for identifying gaps in safety practices. Engaging workers in discussions about safety can lead to valuable insights and improvements.



Each KPI in our knowledge base includes 13 attributes.

KPI Definition

A clear explanation of what the KPI measures

Potential Business Insights

The typical business insights we expect to gain through the tracking of this KPI

Measurement Approach

An outline of the approach or process followed to measure this KPI

Standard Formula

The standard formula organizations use to calculate this KPI

Trend Analysis

Insights into how the KPI tends to evolve over time and what trends could indicate positive or negative performance shifts

Diagnostic Questions

Questions to ask to better understand your current position is for the KPI and how it can improve

Actionable Tips

Practical, actionable tips for improving the KPI, which might involve operational changes, strategic shifts, or tactical actions

Visualization Suggestions

Recommended charts or graphs that best represent the trends and patterns around the KPI for more effective reporting and decision-making

Risk Warnings

Potential risks or warnings signs that could indicate underlying issues that require immediate attention

Tools & Technologies

Suggested tools, technologies, and software that can help in tracking and analyzing the KPI more effectively

Integration Points

How the KPI can be integrated with other business systems and processes for holistic strategic performance management

Change Impact

Explanation of how changes in the KPI can impact other KPIs and what kind of changes can be expected

BSC Perspective

NEW Mapping to a Balanced Scorecard perspective (financial, customer, internal process, learning & growth)


Compare Our Plans


Explore KPI Depot by Function & Industry