What does "lockout/tagout" primarily safeguard employees from?

The primary purpose of "lockout/tagout" procedures is to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery during maintenance or servicing activities. This safety measure ensures that machines and equipment are properly shut off and unable to be started up again until maintenance is completed.

By applying locks and tags to the energy-isolating devices, workers can effectively prevent accidental activation, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities. The system relies on physical barriers that inhibit the operation of machinery while maintenance is being performed, thereby protecting employees from potential hazards associated with unexpected movement or operation of equipment.

While the other choices reflect important safety considerations, they do not align with the primary function of lockout/tagout procedures. For instance, unexpected shutdowns of machinery could lead to different risks, but it is the unpredictability of restarting machinery, not shutting it down, that lockout/tagout procedures specifically address.