An employee with the ability to work independently is an asset to any organization. Even more so is an employee with the ability to work independently and safely.
OSHA defines a lone worker as “an employee working alone, such as in a confined space or isolated location.” In addition, these employees are working without supervisors or co-workers’ direct and immediate support. According to StaySafe, “If they cannot be seen or heard by a colleague, they are a lone worker—whether that be for all or part of their working day.” A report on lone worker safety from Berg Insight published in August 2021 states that there are an estimated 53 million lone workers between Canada, the U.S., and Europe combined. This number is only continuing to rise partly due to the increase in remote or hybrid work.
Lone workers perform their jobs on the road, in clients’ homes, in and around empty facilities, and even in the middle of the woods. Some of these employees may work in or around occupied facilities and still be considered as “lone workers” due to a lack of contact with co-workers.
Here are some tips you can use to ensure a safer working environment for those employees that spend some, or all, of their day unseen or unheard.
- Define who your lone workers are specific to your organization.
- Outline the positions or tasks that create “lone worker” scenarios.
- Perform a hazard assessment of your lone workers’ duties throughout their workday.
- Prioritize hazards and address the more serious or immediate threats first.
- Implement policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
- Create a Lone Worker Policy that implements controls and procedures to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risk of harm to your lone workers.
- Include an outline of the risks identified from your Risk Assessment.
- Outline the steps taken to address each hazard.
- Include the responsibility of each employee (check-ins, communication, hazard, and injury reporting, etc.).
- Establish guidelines for communicating with your lone workers.
- Utilize text messaging, messaging services (ex. WhatsApp), and phone calls to connect with your employees.
- Utilize lone worker protection apps via mobile phones which provide check-in reminders and will alert the employer of failed check-ins (either due to an incident or forgetfulness).
- Develop an Emergency Response Plan.
- Outline when you or the lone worker should contact emergency services.
- Outline the responsibilities of each employee in an emergency situation.
- Educate and train your employees on the policy and procedures implemented to ensure they are safe in the field.
Review and update your policy at least annually to ensure any changes in hazards or risks are being addressed.
Normal hazards that our employees face on a daily basis become exponentially more dangerous when not having immediate support or assistance from co-workers or supervisors. It’s an employer’s responsibility to have the necessary safeguards in place to ensure that their lone workers are kept safe from potential hazards in their unique and potentially ever-changing work environment.
If you would like support in developing a plan for your organization, please reach out to your Loss Control Consultant.
