Managing the safety of lone Workers
Ensuring the safety of lone workers is not just a moral obligation—it’s a legal one. In Canada, employers are required by law to safeguard workers, especially those who work alone, whether they’re in what is considered ‘high-risk’ or ‘low-risk’ jobs. Learn more about understanding lone worker legislation in Canada.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety defines lone workers as employees who work alone outside of ear and eyeshot of another employee or supervisor. That can include people working in remote locations or someone working at a retail shop alone. If someone on your team works alone for any part of their shift, it’s the employer’s responsibility to identify potential risks and put the right measures in place to protect them.
Accessing and mitigating risk
Even though some lone workers may not participate in inherently dangerous tasks, working alone brings risks. Everyday risks such as slips, trips, falls, or medical emergencies can affect any worker, regardless of their job’s nature. If an accident happens and the person is alone, with no one monitoring them or waiting for them to check in, it becomes an emergency.
It’s the employer’s responsibility to conduct a thorough risk assessment of every job site and situation. By identifying hazards in the workplace—whether from equipment, location, or health issues—employers can take proactive steps to reduce risks. It’s essential to analyze what could go wrong and determine the most effective way to prevent it.
Once you know the risks, employers must create policies that address these concerns. Policies should clearly outline the steps workers must take to stay safe, how often they need to check in, and what to do in an emergency. This is where technology plays a significant role. You need the right tools to support your lone worker safety policy.
Lone worker technology
Using lone worker monitoring technology, like the solutions provided by CommAlert, can significantly improve safety. These systems allow third-party monitors to keep track of lone workers in real time, ensuring they are safe and providing a direct line of communication if something goes wrong. Regular check-ins through mobile apps and devices help confirm workers’ well-being. If they fail to check in, it also alerts the monitor that there could be an issue. Then, a pre-planned escalation procedure will be initiated to ensure that the right people are called and help can be sent quickly.
Lone worker technology can also offer additional functions to keep lone workers safe.
- View and monitor a network of workers and assets
- Alert monitor of shift or travel changes
- Quickly connect with monitors
- Raise an SOS alarm with a panic button
- Automatic ‘man-down’ detection
- Automatic check-in reminders
- Quick access to important documents
- Enhanced location monitoring, including in-building monitoring.
- Customizable for your organization and worker
Learn more about CommAlert’s Work-Alone Tech!
Work Alone Services with CommAlert
A solid lone worker safety strategy includes clear policies, risk assessments, and the right technology to monitor and protect workers. CommAlert has designed our lone worker monitoring system to keep employees safe by providing continuous live-agent monitoring and fast escalation in emergencies. Our call centre agents are highly trained, and we operate 24 hours a day. Outsourcing your work alone ensures your workers are safe around the clock.
It’s a smart investment for any employer committed to the well-being of their lone workers, no matter the job’s risk level. It’s also your ethical and legal responsibility. Get started and learn more about our lone worker safety solutions!
