2019 - a set of building exit doors with panic bars for egress gets locked closed at work presumably because those using them were letting in too much cold outside air in the depth of winter.

Reported the "locked" status to the local fire inspector, the panic bars were unlocked the next day.

So it is not just in 1911 that folks with the key to the lock get the bright idea to lock a door that is meant to serve as an emergency exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.