A lone worker is defined as anyone who cannot be seen or heard by another worker or employee. Some lone workers face more risks than others, but everyone who works alone should take certain safety precautions. For example, in most Canadian provinces, a monitoring system for lone workers is required by law. It is also the responsibility of the employer. Without coworkers nearby to assist in an emergency, they rely on proper training, communication tools, and work alone monitoring systems to stay safe.
Here are common hazards lone workers encounter and how employers can help mitigate them.
1. Help is Far Away
The biggest thing that puts lone workers at risk is that no one is physically there to help them, or call for help, if something goes wrong. Without co-workers or even other people, a lone worker might have trouble getting help quickly in a serious emergency. Live monitoring and lone worker check-in systems can help ensure they get a rapid response when needed.
2. Medical Emergencies
Often, medical emergencies are unexpected. A sudden illness or injury, whether it is minor or major, can pose a significant threat when working alone. Without immediate assistance, lone workers may struggle to get help. Regular check-ins and emergency response plans are crucial. CommAlert also uses technology that allows workers to alert their monitor of issues with a touch of a button and features “man down” tech so we know if someone might need assistance.
3. Slips and Falls
It doesn’t matter where the lone worker is, slipping and falling are always possible! Whether working at heights, on slippery surfaces, or in rugged terrain, lone workers are at more risk of injury caused by a fall. Even if they’re on a smooth surface and trip on their own feet! This is because no one can help them if they’re injured or need assistance. Proper footwear, safety equipment, and real-time lone worker monitoring can prevent serious injuries. If your worker falls on the job, our live agent will ensure they get the help they need.
4. Violence and Crime
Unfortunately, harm coming from another person is a real threat to lone workers. Some lone workers interact with the public in unpredictable environments, like home care workers, health care workers or even real estate agents meeting unknown people in remote locations. Threats, assault, or harassment are serious concerns, making lone worker monitoring essential for quick emergency response.
5. Vehicle Accidents
A lot of lone workers are also lone drivers! Whether driving a transport truck or delivery van or providing a ride service like a taxi or Uber driver, they’re always at risk of a potential motor vehicle accident. Who will find them if they go off the road in a remote area? CommAlert’s lone worker technology uses GPS tracking and other tech to monitor lone drivers. Drivers can also submit their travel plans, including changes to those plans, so our agents know how to escalate any issue and where to start looking if they don’t check-in.
6. Extreme Weather
From heatwaves to snowstorms, weather can be a significant hazard. Lone workers should have access to weather alerts, appropriate gear, and emergency support if conditions become dangerous. However, sometimes (often) weather isn’t predictable. That is why it’s essential to have work alone monitoring in every season.
7. Fatigue
Long hours, isolation, and demanding work conditions can lead to fatigue and stress. When a worker is tired, it increases the risk of mistakes and accidents. Encouraging regular breaks and wellness check-ins helps reduce this risk.
8. Hazardous materials
If your workers deal with hazardous materials, you can help keep them safe with comprehensive safety training, safety policies and procedures and lone worker monitoring. In addition, providing PPE and understanding emergency response protocols are essential for keeping them safe.
9. Equipment Failure
Like the weather, you can’t always predict equipment failures and breakdowns. While preventative maintenance and regular inspections of equipment are vital, sometimes a tool or vehicle malfunction happens. If a car breaks down, it could leave a lone worker stranded or unable to complete their job safely. As mentioned, preventative maintenance is key, but don’t forget reliable communication systems like using a 24-hour work alone call centre.
10. Getting Lost
Getting lost happens less often, thanks to GPS and mobile phone map applications. However, it cannot be ruled out completely. If a lone worker loses access to these tools and takes a wrong turn, they could get lost and need help. This is especially true if they’re working in unfamiliar and remote locations. GPS tracking and regular check-ins through the CommAlert Portal help workers stay on track and safe. If they’re lost and unable to check in, we can find them and send help.
Lone worker safety with CommAlert
Working alone can pose several hazards, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do your best to stay safe! With the right safety measures in place, risks can be minimized. The CommAlert Portal, combined with live agent monitoring, ensures workers are never truly alone. Outsourcing your lone worker monitoring is easy, affordable and practical.
