Which of the following is a risk associated with not using proper lockout/tagout procedures?

The risk associated with not using proper lockout/tagout procedures is indeed increased risk of workplace accidents. Lockout/tagout is a critical safety protocol designed to protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing of equipment. When these procedures are not followed, employees can be exposed to dangerous situations such as the accidental start-up of machinery, which could lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

By properly implementing lockout/tagout procedures, workers ensure that machines are fully disengaged from their energy source, and this minimizes the likelihood of accidents that could occur due to human error, equipment malfunctions, or failure to communicate about equipment status. Therefore, neglecting these safety protocols directly contributes to heightened risk in the workplace, underscoring the importance of adherence to safety measures in construction settings.