Sep 20th 2022
10 Safety Tips for Working Alone
Working alone can be a lonely experience, and feeling isolated from your colleagues can be easy. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, which can affect your work performance. Additionally, working alone can be dangerous, as no one is around to help if you have an accident.
Employers are responsible for identifying and reducing the risks associated with lone working, which can pose a number of health and safety risks for employees.
So what are the risks of working alone? And what can employers do to reduce them?
Here are 10 safety tips for employers of lone workers:
1. Keep in touch - regular contact with lone workers is essential. This could include phone calls, text messages or email check-ins.
2. Check in - make sure you know where your employees are at all times, and that they check in with you regularly.
3. Have a plan - if something goes wrong, make sure you have a plan in place for how your employee will get help. This could include giving them a phone or alarm they can use to call for help or having a designated check-in time.
4. Be aware of hazards - take time to assess the risks faced by your employees when they're working alone. Make sure you take steps to minimise these risks, such as providing them with personal protective equipment (PPE) if needed.
5. Train employees - give your employees dedicated training on how to stay safe when working alone. This should cover things like dealing with unexpected visitors, what to do if they feel unwell, and how to raise the alarm if something goes wrong.
6. Know your employees - it's important to get to know your employees and their individual needs when working alone. Some people may feel more comfortable with regular check-ins, while others may prefer more independence. Make sure you tailor your approach accordingly.
7. Manage stress - stress can impact both physical and mental health, so it's important to ensure your employees manage it effectively when working alone. This could include offering them access to counselling or relaxation techniques, or simply making sure they take regular breaks throughout the day."
8. Offer Support - be there for your employees by offering support when needed. This could come in the form of emotional support or providing resources and information.
9. Encourage Breaks - working for long periods can be difficult and tiring. Encourage your employees to take breaks during their shifts to help them stay refreshed and focused.
10. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle - a healthy lifestyle can help reduce stress levels and promote well-being. Encourage your employees to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
While we all enjoy a sense of independence and the satisfaction that comes with completing a task on our own, working alone can have serious consequences. Whether you're an office worker, construction worker, nurse, or any other profession, it's important to be aware of the dangers of working alone and take steps to mitigate those risks.
Check out our documents below for more information on how to stay safe while working alone. And as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Author - Craig Cruickshank is the HSEQ Advisor and Senior Technical Writer at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture
Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business.
Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.
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