Risk Assessment
The very first step is to complete a risk assessment. Start by identifying your lone workers and the hazards they face, then assess the risks of the various threats.
Include the actual lone workers in the process of the risk assessment. They are the ones who best understand the challenges of their work environment. Seeking their input also helps increases their engagement in and compliance with potential solutions.
Risks may be environmental, such as slips, trips and falls, or social, such as robbery or assault.
Review and record accidents and near misses as part of a comprehensive risk assessment.
Remember, risk assessment is not a “one-and-done” task. Work conditions continually change, so assessing and documenting the hazards should be done regularly.
Policy And Processes
After documenting the risks, it’s time to develop your solutions in the form of policies and procedures. Find ways to eliminate, minimise, or isolate the hazards, and create transparent processes to keep your lone workers informed and empowered.
Thorough lone worker policies help employees recognise the risks and provide guidance on how to approach different situations.
For an effective safety culture, procedures should be more than just dusty documents stashed in a break room. Organisations must actively promote effective communication, feedback, accountability and engagement at all levels.
A well-rounded policy will cover monitoring, communication, lone worker safety devices and PPE, and employee health and wellness.
Appropriate Clothing & Equipment
Equipment for lone worker protection can range from low-tech options like waterproof clothing to technologically advanced solutions such as tracking and alarm devices.
Your policy should identify the appropriate gear required for different lone working situations. Your organisation must then prioritise investment in the right amount of high-quality equipment to cover all workers at all times.
A mobile phone check-in and alarm app may suffice for some lone workers, while others in more remote locations may need devices that work with satellite tracking systems.
The Right Skillset
The most advanced lone worker safety device on the planet is ineffectual if your workers don’t know how to use it correctly.
Training and education should be built into your lone worker policies. A lack of experience and knowledge is one of the biggest causes of workplace accidents. The right support ensures your staff know what’s expected of them in various situations and ensures they are prepared to respond appropriately in an emergency.
Educate your lone workers about hazards, communicate best practices in your policies, and train correct use of PPE, machinery and equipment, including lone working monitoring systems and safety devices.
At Direct Safety, part of our safety device implementation process is to provide training and follow up support for all team members utilising our devices. Whether it is the lone worker themselves, the office based communication contact or various contractors, they will all have comprehensive knowledge on the capabilities of each device.
Protect Your Lone Workers With Comprehensive Solutions
Lone worker protection is an ongoing process that every organisation should prioritise. No single solution provides complete protection, but when all the puzzle pieces are in position, your workplace becomes a safer, healthier place to be.
If you are ready to devise a comprehensive safety solution for your workplace, then reach out to us at Direct Safety today. We can help you establish all aspects of your safety plan.