Dangers In Working Alone

The business owner or supervisor must identify what type of work and duties which may or may not be conducted while the owner or employee is working alone. A decision must be made to decide which conditions for working alone is permitted. Special arrangements must be made especially after regular hours, because these situations pose an additional risk to life and property. It is strongly recommended that handling of hazardous materials or performing hazardous activities be prohibited when the owner or employee is working alone.

Owners and supervisors are required to ensure that they fulfill and document the following responsibilities:

Review all workplaces under their jurisdiction and identify employees who are required to work alone.

Describe conditions where working alone is permitted and indicate which duties may be conducted and which are prohibited.

Identify risks to the employee in terms of the nature of their work, isolation, and conditions at the worksite or store.

Identify and take any necessary steps to eliminate or reduce identified risks. The steps taken should include:

1) The establishment of some kind of communication system that consists of radio communication, landline phone or cell phone, or any other means which will provide effective communication should an emergency issue occurs such as a personal alarm device.

2) Providing sufficient training and instruction for safe work practices and ensuring minimum standards of competence.

3) Providing applicable personal protective equipment.

4) Maintain regular contact with the person working alone and provide emergency (first aid box) and survival supplies for working under extreme conditions.
Documentation of the above should be maintained and filed for easy reference of the owner or the employee working alone.

This policy and procedures must be understood to all employees who work alone. The policy should be reviewed and updated constantly as conditions can change quickly. Understand how current events might have an impact on those who must work alone. Any outside event can affect the workplace; for example, a recent crime event near the workplace might bring that element towards the workplace.

Brent Bowlin is a health and safety researcher who has helped businesses in implementing safety programs. For help contact him at abbsafetynet@gmail.com and for safety supplies go to http://www.safetysuppliescanada.com, they deliver anywhere.
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