A lone worker is an employee who works alone in places where they can’t be seen or heard by others. Examples include a surveyor working in a remote section of pipeline right-of-way, or even a single entrant into a confined space where they can’t be seen or heard by an attendant or supervisor.
According to OSHA’s General Duty Clause, companies who utilize lone workers must have a Lone Worker Policy in place. This policy should outline how to identify and assess the hazards of the lone worker, control risks and define the acceptable limits, supervise and/or monitor lone workers, train these workers, and continuously improve upon the program.
Know the Risks
Lone workers are at higher risk when on the job, and the potential for severe injury increases because help may not be readily available in more rural areas.
Communication can be difficult in some rural areas in the US considering cell phones may not be reliable at all worksites. Verify beforehand the way you plan to communicate with lone workers before sending them into the field.
Keys to Keep You Safe
Ensure that your employees know the protocol and train them on essentials before entering the field alone. It’s also helpful to regularly review and make point to mention procedures during project kick-off meetings.
Additionally, ensure you have a reliable way to check-in with your lone workers—direct communication method is preferred. Those employees should use a two-way radio or cell phone requiring them to actively engage with other coworkers or deal with off-site supervision. GPS further tracks the lone worker’s movements, accomplished using smart phone apps like Find My Friends or by using a personal GPS messenger like a SPOT.
Dawood In Action
Dawood Engineering uses SPOT GPS messengers to communicate with lone workers. A SPOT messenger can send pre-programmed messages and your location to your contacts letting them know you’re safe. When enabled, the device Track feature will regularly send your location viewed via your SPOT account, enabling colleagues to track your movements throughout the day and see where you’ve been –
Most importantly, the SPOT GPS Messenger is capable of sending an SOS signal to a coordination center (GEOS). Your location can then be used in coordination with local rescue units to find you when the signal is activated.