Employers are responsible for conducting risk assessments to better predict workplace accidents before someone gets hurt. A well-planned risk mitigation strategy can prevent harm to employees, especially lone workers, and better prepare your team for responding to emergencies when they happen. In addition to keeping workers safe, risk mitigation strategies will also protect your business, goals and objectives.
What are the risks that could impact your lone workers?
A hazard or risk assessment can identify potential safety hazards. Is there anything in the workplace that could cause physical injury or harm, impact mobility, or cause illness? Are they in danger of a crime like assault?
When assessing risk, always include all your employees. They have their feet on the ground and can share firsthand what makes them feel uncomfortable, at risk, or protected.
What can be included in your risk mitigation strategy?
A risk mitigation strategy is a formal plan to help your business reduce or eliminate hazards that put your workers at a safety risk. They identify hazards and create safeguards to reduce or eliminate those threats. Here are things your risk mitigation strategy should include for lone workers:
Work alone monitoring
The law requires work alone monitoring for lone workers in most places in Canada. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure someone is monitoring workers, either a third-party monitor like a call centre or a dedicated staff member from that business.
An automated or manual check-in system is a significant component of an effective work alone monitoring solution. Lone workers must be able to check in at the start and end of their shifts and at scheduled intervals according to their job or risk. If they fail to check in, their monitor can try to reach them and escalate the situation to ensure their safety.
Location monitoring
Lone worker technology, like CommAlert’s Portal, includes GPS tracking systems that can always locate remote and lone workers. In an emergency, it’s vital to know where the worker is so help can be immediately sent to them. While mobile phones can have location trackers, satellite and GPS technology ensure the worker’s location is identified in areas without cellular coverage. You need to know where your workers are.
Panic buttons
A panic or emergency alert button lets workers quickly alert their monitor that they’re in danger. They can do this on their phone or satellite device, and the monitor can send assistance as soon as possible. Panic buttons are essential for people who work around members of the public, as the risk of human-caused violence and assault is higher. Read more about panic buttons for lone workers.
Build a safer workplace for your lone workers.
Proper risk assessments and mitigation strategies are vital to protecting your business and employees from harm. They prevent accidents, build employee confidence and loyalty, and create a brighter and safer place for your team to thrive.
