Lockout/Tagout procedures primarily protect which group in the workplace?

Lockout/Tagout procedures are vital safety protocols used to ensure that dangerous machinery is properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. The primary purpose of these procedures is to protect all employees in the workplace who may be at risk of injury from unexpected machine activation or energy release during maintenance activities.

These procedures involve using locks and tags to clearly communicate that a machine is out of service and should not be operated. By implementing such measures, the safety of not just maintenance workers but all individuals in the vicinity of the machinery is ensured. This includes supervisory staff, other operational employees, and even administrative personnel who might be in the area where maintenance is occurring.

Thus, the extensive reach of Lockout/Tagout procedures is why the correct answer encompasses 'all employees,' highlighting the importance of collective safety in various environments where machinery is present.