groups. This is because they often have to work in difficult or dangerous conditions without the
benefit of having someone else there to help them out.
Lone worker safety is important not only for the individual workers themselves but also for their
employers. This is because accidents and injuries can lead to costly worker's compensation
claims, as well as potential legal action.
Thus, proper safety precautions can help to minimize the risks associated with working alone.
By taking the time to ensure that lone workers are properly protected, employers can help to
create a safer workplace for everyone.
Here are some important do's and don'ts when it comes to proper lone worker safety:
1) Provide Your GPS Location
When a person is working alone, it is important to use technology that will provide an accurate GPS location of their current location. This way, if anything happens to them, the person in charge
will know where to find them quickly. This is especially important when a lone worker is in an area
where they cannot be easily seen or heard by other people.
2) Don’t Go for Complete Isolation
In conjunction with the point above, a lone worker should not go into complete isolation. After
all, if a worker is completely isolated, it will be quite difficult for anyone to come to their aid
should an accident or emergency occur. Instead, a lone worker should try to work in areas
where there are other people nearby who can help if needed.
3) Do Have a Panic Alarm Device
If a lone worker does find themselves in a situation where they need help, it is important that
they have a way to quickly and easily request assistance. This is where a panic alarm device
comes in. With a panic alarm, a lone worker can send out a distress signal to their supervisor or
the project manager so that help can be sent as quickly as possible. This includes automatic alerts like No Motion, Fall Detection and Missed Check-Ins
4) Don’t Assume Safety or Invincibility
Just because you are working alone does not mean that you are safe or that you are invincible.
Accidents can happen at any time and in any place, even if you are working alone. This is why it
is quite important to be vigilant and alert, instilling the proper safety precautions to avoid having
your lone workers stumble into potential accidents and injuries.
5) Do Assess Surroundings and Check In
Even if a lone worker has previously stated their initial location, it is a good idea to always
assess your surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards that may be around. This is
especially important when working in an area that is unfamiliar to you.
6) Don’t Forgo Instincts and Increase Risks
When a lone worker feels like something is wrong, it is important to listen to their instincts and
go with their gut feeling. This may mean that they have to leave their job behind and call for
assistance to ensure that they are safe. There's no need to increase the amount of risk a lone
worker takes, so encourage them to prioritize their safety.
Conclusion
Companies should take steps to ensure the safety of their lone workers. This should include
providing them with proper training, ensuring that they have the proper safety equipment, and
having a system in place to check in on them regularly.
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