Who must the employer provide access to the written lockout and tagging procedures?

The correct answer highlights that access to written lockout and tagging procedures must be provided to authorized representatives of the Assistant Secretary of Labor. This access is crucial for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and facilitating inspections by safety authorities. These procedures are a key component of workplace safety programs, particularly in industries where employees may be exposed to hazardous energy sources.

Authorized representatives have the responsibility to assess whether appropriate safety protocols are being followed. By ensuring that these individuals have access to the procedures, the employer is also demonstrating transparency and willingness to cooperate with regulatory oversight. This practice helps in promoting a safe working environment, as it allows for proper enforcement of safety standards and the opportunity for external review of the effectiveness of these procedures.

While other groups, such as all employees, management, or external contractors, may also benefit from understanding these procedures, the specific requirement to provide access to authorized representatives of the Assistant Secretary of Labor underscores the regulatory framework that mandates such safety protocols.