Top Lockout/Tagout Violations in Casinos: Insights from OSHA Citations

Casinos run 24/7 with slot machines, elevators, HVAC systems, and kitchen equipment humming non-stop. When maintenance crews dive in without proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, things go south fast. OSHA's standard 1910.147 isn't optional—it's the line between a quick fix and a catastrophic injury.

Violation #1: No Energy Control Procedures

The most cited LOTO violation nationwide, and casinos are no exception. I've walked casino floors where techs "eyeball" machine shutdowns instead of following written procedures tailored to each piece of equipment. OSHA data shows this tops lists because gaming machines, with their electrical panels and motors, demand specific steps to isolate energy sources like electricity and hydraulics.

In one audit I led at a Nevada property, we found zero documented LOTO steps for over 2,000 slots. Result? Fines and a scramble to comply. Develop procedures that cover every hazard—electricity in neon signs, pneumatics in automated poker tables, even steam in buffets.

Violation #2: Inadequate Training and Verification

Employees "authorized" for LOTO often lack the training to back it up. Casinos cite high turnover as an excuse, but OSHA doesn't buy it. Citations spike when workers skip the verification step—testing to ensure energy is isolated—especially on live casino floors where downtime costs thousands per hour.

• Train annually on casino-specific hazards.
• Verify zero energy with a multimeter on slots.
• Document it all; verbal handoffs won't cut it.

We've seen this bite back: a California casino tech shocked while servicing a jackpot machine because the "off" switch wasn't verified.

Violation #3: Missing Periodic Inspections and Audits

OSHA requires annual audits by another authorized employee and periodic inspections. In casinos, these fall through amid the glitz. A 2022 OSHA report highlighted hospitality citations where LOTO audits were nonexistent, leading to group training deficiencies.

Short fix: Schedule audits during slow hours. I recommend rotating inspectors across departments—slots, facilities, food service—to catch blind spots like ungrounded elevators or boiler rooms.

Violation #4: Defective Devices and Group LOTO Gaps

Cheap locks that pop open or tags that fade? Instant citation. Casinos using group LOTO for shift changes often fail to designate a primary protector, violating 1910.147(c)(4).

Pro tip: Invest in keyed-alike sets per crew, but never share keys. In a Vegas inspection I consulted on, mismatched devices led to a near-miss on an escalator repair.

Casino-Specific Risks and How to Bulletproof Your Program

Beyond the top four, watch for LOTO bypasses on ATMs, surveillance gear, and valet lifts. High-traffic areas amplify risks—patrons wandering into tagged zones. Reference OSHA's gaming industry data: electrical hazards dominate, with LOTO failures contributing to 10-15% of citations.

Build trust with a layered approach: software for digital procedures (tracking compliance in real-time), hands-on drills, and third-party audits. Check OSHA's LOTO eTool for templates. Individual results vary by operation size, but consistent enforcement drops incidents by up to 70%, per NIOSH studies.

Stay ahead—casinos aren't exempt from the energy control game. Implement now, or let OSHA roll the dice.