OSHA Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Practice Test 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The scenario describes a highly dangerous situation where an operator crawled under an operating machine to retrieve parts. The correct answer reflects the severe consequences that can occur when proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are not followed.

In an industrial setting, machinery can move unexpectedly or cycle automatically, posing significant risks to personnel. If a machine's components, such as a platen, open while someone is underneath, it can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as crushing. This emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols designed to prevent such accidents, including ensuring that machinery is properly shut down and locked out before personnel enter hazardous areas.

Therefore, the option that states the operator's head was crushed when the platen opened highlights the potential for fatal accidents in workplaces where machinery is not secured, reinforcing the necessity of training and strict compliance with safety regulations to protect workers.