Mon, Jan 13, 2025

Lone workers are often required in various industries however, their isolation exposes them to unique risks which can escalate due to the absence of immediate help. Prioritising lone worker safety is not only a legal responsibility but also a critical aspect of ensuring employee wellbeing and operational efficiency. In this article, we explore practical tips and strategies for safeguarding your lone workers.

The importance of lone worker safety

Lone worker safety directly impacts the wellbeing of employees and the operational integrity of an organisation. Ensuring a safe working environment demonstrates that employers value their workforce, fostering trust and boosting morale. Additionally, preventing incidents reduces downtime, minimises financial losses and protects the organisation’s reputation. Neglecting lone worker safety not only exposes employees to harm but also risks non-compliance with legal obligations, which can result in fines, lawsuits or reputational damage. By prioritising safety, businesses build a resilient workforce and enhance their commitment to sustainable operations.

Best practices for lone worker safety

There are a few things you can do to boost the safety of the lone workers in your workforce. Follow the tips below to help keep them safe.

Tip one: conduct comprehensive risk assessments

Risk assessments form the foundation of lone worker safety. Employers should:

• Identify specific hazards associated with lone worker roles such as environmental dangers, potential interactions with hostile individuals or the use of complex machinery

• Evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential incidents to prioritise mitigation strategies effectively

• Implement control measures such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring proper lighting in isolated areas to address any physical or environmental hazards

• Regularly review and update risk assessments to adapt to changes in work conditions or tasks

Tip two: establish robust communication protocols

Regular communication ensures lone workers remain connected and supported throughout their shifts. Effective strategies include:

• Scheduled check-ins: supervisors or team members can check in with lone workers at predetermined intervals to confirm their safety. The frequency of these check-ins should align with the level of risk associated with the task or location

• Real-time monitoring systems: GPS-enabled devices allow employers to track worker locations, especially in remote areas and respond promptly in emergencies. This is particularly useful for industries like utilities and transportation, where workers may traverse large, unmonitored areas

• Emergency response plans: clearly define steps to take if communication is lost or if a worker signals distress. These plans should outline roles and responsibilities for responders, ensuring quick and coordinated action

• Two-way communication devices: equip lone workers with radios, mobile phones or apps that enable instant contact. Devices should function reliably, even in areas with poor cellular reception

Tip three: provide comprehensive training

Well-trained workers are more likely to recognise and address potential risks, minimising incidents. Training should include:

• Recognising and avoiding hazards: teach workers to identify unsafe conditions, such as unstable structures, slippery surfaces or aggressive behavior and respond appropriately

• Emergency protocols: familiarise workers with evacuation routes, first aid procedures and the use of safety equipment. Employees should also know how to signal for help and follow pre-established emergency communication protocols

• De-escalation techniques: equip lone workers with skills to handle aggressive or confrontational situations calmly and safely, reducing the risk of escalation

Ensure you provide workers with ongoing refresher training. This helps to ensure workers remain informed about new safety measures and evolving risks.

Tip four: promote a culture of safety

Establishing a safety-first culture ensures lone workers feel supported and prioritised. Key elements of a robust safety culture include:

• Regular safety meetings: use regular sessions to address worker concerns, review safety incidents and refine protocols. Involving employees in discussions helps identify blind spots and fosters a sense of ownership over safety practices

• Encouraging reporting: create an open environment where workers feel comfortable reporting near-misses, unsafe conditions or suggestions for improvement without fear of reprisal

• Employee wellness programs: support mental health with access to counseling, wellness initiatives and stress management resources. A worker’s mental wellbeing is closely linked to their ability to remain vigilant and make sound decisions in the field
• Recognition and rewards: acknowledge workers who consistently adhere to safety practices or contribute to improving safety processes. Recognition reinforces positive behavior and motivates others to prioritise safety 
• Supervisor involvement: managers should actively engage with lone workers, offering regular check-ins and emphasising their commitment to safety through visible actions, such as timely equipment upgrades or immediate responses to reported hazards

Tip five: equip workers with the right technology

Safety technology has become indispensable for lone worker protection. Equip employees with:

• Geofencing: implement virtual boundaries to monitor worker movements and ensure they remain within safe zones. Alerts can be triggered if a worker enters a restricted or hazardous area

• Biometrics monitoring: use wearable devices to track workers' physical conditions such as heart rate, body temperature or signs of fatigue. These metrics can help detect potential health issues before they become critical

• Duress and panic alarms: provide workers with easily accessible devices or wearable buttons that allow them to quickly alert supervisors or emergency services in high-stress or dangerous situations
• Emergency detection: deploy sensors and devices capable of detecting accidents, such as sudden impacts or falls, which can automatically send alerts for immediate assistance
• Location tracking: equip lone workers with GPS-enabled devices to ensure their real-time location is always known. This is particularly useful in remote or expansive areas where quick response times are critical
• Vehicle monitoring and collision detection: for workers operating vehicles, install systems that monitor driving behaviour and potential collisions. These tools help prevent incidents and provide immediate alerts in case of an emergency 

Employers should ensure all technology is user-friendly, reliable and supported with proper training, enabling workers to maximise the benefits in daily operations. 

Tip six: leverage data analytics for continuous improvement

Data analytics offers powerful insights to enhance lone worker safety by identifying risks, monitoring trends and refining safety measures. Key actions include:

• Incident tracking and analysis: use digital systems or apps to log incidents, near-misses and report hazards. By analysing this data, employers can identify patterns, such as recurring issues in specific locations or shifts and take targeted actions to mitigate risks

• Monitoring worker behaviour: wearable devices and safety apps can track activity levels, location and even physiological data like heart rate. This information can highlight potential fatigue, stress or unsafe behaviors, allowing for proactive interventions before incidents occur

• Environmental monitoring: sensors that detect environmental conditions, such as gas levels, temperature or noise, provide real-time data that can trigger alarms and enable adjustments to ensure a safe working environment
• Performance of safety measures: evaluate the effectiveness of current safety tools and protocols by reviewing data on how often they’re used and the outcomes of their implementation. For instance, frequent use of panic alarms might indicate recurring threats in specific roles or areas
• Predictive analytics: advanced analytics tools can predict potential hazards based on historical data, enabling businesses to preemptively address issues such as scheduling workers away from high-risk zones or implementing stricter controls during hazardous conditions

Regular reviews of analytics reports can guide continuous improvements, making lone worker protection more effective over time.

Want to find out more about how Ideagen Damstra supports lone workers?

Ideagen Damstra has a suite of products to enhance workplace safety, including Solo, designed to keep lone workers connected and protected. Contact our team on 1300 722 801 to find out more.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.

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