Best Practices for Implementing Lone Worker Safety Programs in Construction

Using clear and concise language in your safety protocols, policies, and procedures is essential. It ensures that your lone workers can understand and implement the guidelines set out for them.

Train your lone workers on conducting thorough risk assessments, recognizing hazards, and implementing preventive measures. Also, establish effective communication protocols that include regular visual check-ins and a designated contact person in the office.

1. Invest in Communication Tools

Lone workers face specific risks that aren’t as common in traditional workplaces. They are often at increased risk of violence because they don’t have co-workers to help them de-escalate a situation or call for assistance in the event of an assault. Likewise, they are less likely to be heard if their call for help goes unanswered because they are out of cellphone range.

Because of these unique challenges, it’s essential that companies invest in communication tools that allow lone workers to stay safe. As a minimum, companies should ensure that all of their lone workers are equipped with a smartphone with cell service that can be used to contact emergency services or the company’s internal incident management team in the event of an issue.

Lone Worker Alarm Devices UK Other safety tools that can be helpful include panic buttons, wearable devices, and alarm monitoring solutions. These tools can be used to monitor lone worker locations, and some may also provide notifications if they haven’t moved in a preset period of time.

In addition to ensuring that all lone workers have access to these tools, it’s important that companies establish clear guidelines and procedures for their lone worker programs. This should include instructions for maintaining regular communication and check-ins, protocols for reporting issues or hazards, and other guidelines that are tailored to the specific work environment.

2. Educate Your Workers

One of the most important aspects of any lone worker safety program is ensuring that your team members fully understand the risks and hazards they face when working alone. The best way to do this is through a training component that outlines the policies, procedures and equipment in use. However, this component should go beyond the written word. Bringing workers together in-person for training sessions is the most engaging way to deliver the information and show your commitment to their wellbeing.

During the training session, your employees should also receive specific instruction on how to navigate their lone work environment and how to respond in emergency situations. Then, they can feel confident that they can take appropriate action when needed and that they are fully prepared for all possible scenarios.

Additionally, your lone workers should be educated on the importance of regular check-ins with supervisors and designated contacts to ensure their well-being and that any safety concerns can be addressed promptly. You may want to consider implementing an employee tracking solution that offers instant messaging features and real-time updates so that your lone workers can easily engage with you throughout their shifts. This will help to promote a culture of trust and accountability that is essential for maintaining employee safety. It will also ensure that your lone workers are protected with the necessary tools to quickly signal for help when needed, even in remote locations with poor connectivity.

3. Conduct Regular Check-Ins

Lone workers can face a variety of risks that are specific to their job duties and industry. Conducting a risk assessment can identify these hazards and determine the most appropriate controls to protect employees from harm. It is also important to establish clear lone worker policies and emergency procedures and ensure that employees receive comprehensive training on these guidelines.

It is essential to periodically review lone working policy and procedure to ensure that they are up-to-date and address any changes in the workplace or job roles. This will help to reduce the risk of accidents or emergencies and ensure that the lone work safety program is effective and efficient.

In addition to conducting regular safety check-ins, employers should also consider using a lone worker monitoring solution that provides real-time remote monitoring for employee location and status. This will allow employers to quickly detect any abnormal behavior that may be indicative of an emergency or an unplanned absence.

Check-ins can be conducted manually, by making phone calls or text messages, or automatically, through the use of a lone worker safety check-in feature. Employers should set up a schedule for check-ins and make sure that all employees know what to do in case they are not available at the scheduled time. In addition, employers should provide a code word for employees to use in the event of an emergency.

4. Establish a Monitoring Center

Lone worker safety programs are a vital component to the overall health and wellness of your workers. As such, it is important that these protocols and policies undergo a routine review and evaluation to ensure that they remain relevant and effective. Taking the time to review a lone worker safety policy can help identify any areas that might need improvement or additional training. It can also be a great opportunity to get feedback from your employees and show that you truly care about their safety.

During the review and evaluation process, it is important to identify the types of work that require a lone worker and any specific hazards or risks associated with those tasks. This information will be used to create a safety plan that will effectively protect lone workers while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. Ultimately, this will be one of the best ways to ensure that your lone workers are safe and well taken care of.

To maximize the effectiveness of a lone worker safety program, it is essential to establish clear communication and emergency response procedures. This includes establishing regular contact times or intervals, providing lone workers with easy access to their supervisor or designated contacts, and ensuring that emergency contact information is readily available in case of an emergency. Additionally, it is crucial to report any incidents or “near misses” that occurred while an employee was working alone and to analyze this data to make necessary changes to company policy.