1910.147(e)(2)(i): Checking the Work Area Before Restoring Energy
Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored, employers must check the work area to make sure all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.147(e)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $170,040 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (7), OH (5), FL (3).
- Related part: 1910.147(e) Release from lockout or tagout (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed. 29 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.147.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.147(e)(2)(i).
At 1:45 p.m. on August 6, 2024, an employee was involved in lowering an aircraftfrom jacks when the aircraft became unstable. The right wing impacted the employee's torso, trapping him beneath the structure. Responders elevated the airframe to relieve the pressure, but despite resuscitative efforts,…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: WI (7), OH (5), FL (3), TX (2), KY (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. | FORT BELVOIR, VA | $16,550 |
| MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY USA LLC | TRENTON, OH | $16,550 |
| IBP SOLUTIONS US, LLC | THORP, WI | $16,550 |
| SOFIDEL OF AMERICA | HATTIESBURG, MS | $15,970 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $13,415 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.147(e)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.147(e)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.147(e) Release from lockout or tagout 75 citations
- 1910.147(e)(2) Employees 35 citations
- 1910.147(e)(3) Lockout or tagout devices removal 27 citations
- 1910.147(e)(1) The machine or equipment 12 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What must be checked before energy is restored?
The work area must be checked to ensure all employees are safely positioned or removed.
Is this part of lockout/tagout?
Yes. It is one of the steps under 1910.147(e) for release from lockout or tagout.
Who must be safe before restart?
All employees in the work area.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.