Working Alone Hazards

Posted on 03/17 by Erin Helms

A lone worker performs their job alone, without others present and supervision. A lone worker works in the same building or area but is out of hearing distance. A lone worker can also be working with another person who cannot provide help in an emergency. The number of people working alone increases, especially with remote work and work from home.

Why Is Working Alone Dangerous?

There are many safety hazards among industries that employ people to work alone. The most common threat among lone workers and workers who work with others is slips, trips and falls. These often-avoidable hazards are responsible for injuring many workers each year, requiring extended time off from work. For those workers who work alone in public or with individual clients and patients, the risk of violence increases rapidly. This violence does not stop with physical violence as it can also inflict emotional and psychological trauma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that workplace violence and its trauma make many workers unable to perform their jobs. Machinery and equipment are also a danger for workers alone. Equipment can roll over or fall on a worker injuring or trapping them. Workers becoming entangled in machinery resulting in debilitating or fatal consequences are not uncommon. Other common risks that lone workers face include: Verbal and physical abuse from the public Injury as a result of work Delays in treating or responding to emergencies and lack of first aid or assistance Poor monitoring of rest, personal hygiene and general welfare Manual handling incidents

Stay Safe When Working Alone

Regardless of your industry, you might find yourself working alone. It could be staff shortages, late-night shifts, or the nature of the job itself. If you work alone, you tend to be vulnerable. If you work alone, you will probably lack the support needed to respond to incidents that occur on the job or receive assistance. Worse still, if you are the only worker present, members of the public might feel they can get away with violations such as robbery or physical assault. As an employee working alone, it is crucial that you request that your employer do the following: Carry out a workplace hazard assessment of all potential risks you might face as a lone worker. Develop and execute workplace safety procedures tailored to the risks. Ensure all workers receive the proper training and schedule refresher training. Provide protective clothing, barriers, and escape routes to you and others who work alone. For further protection, establish a check-in procedure with your employer. A check-in lets supervisors know what work you are doing and where. You can decide whether a verbal check-in suffices or a visual check is in order. Make sure the plan is appropriate for regular business hours and after hours. If you are traveling outside the office, make sure a contact person knows basic information such as your destination, estimated time of arrival and return time.

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