Self‐audit of lockout/tagout in manufacturing workplaces: A pilot study

Background Occupational health and safety (OHS) self‐auditing is a common practice in industrial workplaces. However, few audit instruments have been tested for inter‐rater reliability and accuracy. Methods A lockout/tagout (LOTO) self‐audit checklist was developed for use in manufacturing enterprises. It was tested for inter‐rater reliability and accuracy using responses of business self‐auditors and external auditors. Results Inter‐rater reliability at ten businesses was excellent (κ = 0.84). Business self‐auditors had high (100%) accuracy in identifying elements of LOTO practice that were present as well those that were absent (81% accuracy). Reliability and accuracy increased further when problematic checklist questions were removed from the analysis. Conclusions Results indicate that the LOTO self‐audit checklist would be useful in manufacturing firms’ efforts to assess and improve their LOTO programs. In addition, a reliable self‐audit instrument removes the need for external auditors to visit worksites, thereby expanding capacity for outreach and intervention while minimizing costs.