Staying Safe When Working Alone
Across all industries, certain employees must work alone at times. Whether it’s due to staff shortages, late-night shifts or the nature of the job itself, those who work alone tend to be more vulnerable.
A Pulitzer Prize winning photo, The Kiss of Life, famously depicts a coworker mouth-to-mouth resuscitation after he was electrocuted while working on a low voltage power line. Thanks to his coworker’s quick action, the man’s pulse returned and he made a full recovery, but what if the other had not been there? What could happen when you are working alone?
For example, if you work alone, you may lack the support needed to properly respond to any incidents that occur on the job. You may not receive the necessary assistance. In addition, if there is only one worker at a location, they may be more art risk of attack. Some people may feel they can more easily get away with certain crimes, such as robbery or physical assault.
As an employee working alone, it’s important to request that your employer does the following:
- Conduct a workplace hazard assessment of all potential risks you as a lone worker may face.
- Develop and implement workplace safety procedures tailored to the risks you face as a lone worker.
- Ensure all workers receive proper training, and determine a schedule for refresher training.
- Provide you and other employees who work alone with the appropriate protective clothing, protective barriers and escape routes.
For additional protection, work out a check-in procedure with your employer. That way, they are always up to date on what you’re working on and your whereabouts. S.S. Nesbitt can help companies learn how to build a safety culture (click link see our previous post on the subject).
This information is abstracted from Zywave’s “Safety Focused Newsletter – March 2017”.