Best Practices for Implementing Lone Worker Safety Programs in Construction

Lone workers in every industry face a unique set of safety risks. Whether they are performing delivery and sales jobs or are out in the field on construction projects, lone worker safety is essential.

Implementing a robust lone worker safety program is one of the best ways to show your people that you care about their safety. This means providing them with proper communication tools and resources.

1. Training

Lone workers operate without support, so it’s vital that they know how to react to emergencies. This starts with a comprehensive policy addressing their needs, but also requires training to understand the risks and how to handle them.

A lone worker safety program should include a detailed risk assessment that lists all potential hazards, as well as emergency procedures to follow in the event of an incident. These should be tailored to the individual work environment, as every workplace has its own unique risks.

Employees should be encouraged to regularly check their surroundings for any unauthorized people, changing weather conditions, faulty equipment or fuel levels in vehicles/equipment, etc. Lone workers should also practice a range of self-defence techniques that will help them defuse a potentially violent situation and keep themselves safe. They should also be taught how to use a reliable two-way emergency notification system. This shows them that their employers care about their wellbeing and can provide the support needed in a crisis.

2. Communication

Lone workers are exposed to unique risks, as they’re working out in the field without a coworker nearby. To address these risks, organizations should provide a clear outline of policies for their employees. This should include the types of dangers they face, such as crime, physical attacks, and environmental hazards.

Lone worker safety policies should also clearly explain the ways in which an employee can alert a supervisor to their emergency situation. This can be done by using a buddy device that allows one monitor to send a signal to another, or through a supervisor monitoring system that can notify a remote employee via voice, text, or an alarm.

Additionally, it’s important to include a lone worker safety policy and training as part of your new hire onboarding process. This helps to establish your organization’s commitment to lone worker safety and shows your people that you care about their well-being. This is an effective way to boost morale and minimize turnover.

3. Equipment

Lone workers must have access to a device that allows them to be contacted in the event of an emergency. Having a system that is adapted to their work activities and provides an effective alert mechanism is key.

It is important that the system is easy to use for employees so they don’t put up resistance or consider it an intrusive tool. It should be mobile, operate on multiple devices and support connection even without wifi. It also needs to provide customizable features, such as the ability to customize duress alerts and complete roll calls to verify staff wellbeing.

The most important step for implementing a lone worker safety program is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. From here, a detailed policy can be developed to address and manage safety obstacles. It is also advisable to re-evaluate the risks regularly. By identifying hazards and taking proactive measures, a company can significantly reduce the risk of their lone workers being injured or even killed at work.

4. Reporting

All lone workers must communicate their status and location regularly to ensure their safety. This can be done by implementing a system of automated check-ins or by encouraging a phone call or text message to confirm that the employee is safe at the end of every shift.

Consider using a lone worker protection solution that provides GPS tracking and an emergency SOS button, as these solutions help employers to create more effective monitoring systems and keep their employees safer in the field. These solutions also reduce liability, track incidents, and support compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.

It’s important that the responsibilities of both your lone workers and supervisors are clearly defined in your lone work policy. This is especially true if you have new hires or people who may be working alone for the first time. Include a lone worker training program and a comprehensive policy as part of your onboarding process so that everyone understands the company’s rules and regulations for working alone. lone worker app