Leveraging Technology to Protect Lone Workers
Approximately 15% of employees are lone workers—those who perform their jobs without supervision or someone else nearby (according to National Safety Council).1 This could include a technician working on a cell tower in a remote area, a janitor cleaning an empty office building late at night, or a retail employee working alone. Working in an isolated environment comes with increased risk, but employers can implement safety measures to help protect their lone workers.1 Let’s look at how monitoring technology can help provide an added layer of protection for employers and their lone workers.
Image Credits/Getty Images/Image AuthorCommunication and connectivity are key
Maintaining communication and connectivity between lone workers and their supervisors is critical when it comes to safety. Lone workers should be expected to check in at designated times throughout their shifts and employers must provide reliable connection methods for doing so. Those working in isolated environments need to be trained on when to stop working and how to respond to changes in their job or environment when an unexpected hazard arises.2-3
Benefits of monitoring technology for lone worker safety
Monitoring technology, such as fall detection devices, proximity sensors, mobile applications, and panic alarms, can be valuable in supplementing your communication and connectivity procedures. These devices can help monitor lone workers from afar and notify someone when they are in danger. Here are three key benefits of monitoring technology identified by the National Safety Council.1
Monitoring devices can help streamline communication with lone workers by eliminating the need for phone calls or emails.1
Tips for selecting a monitoring device
Here are some tips from the National Safety Council on how to determine the best monitoring device for your workers.1
Identify the associated job risks by industry. For example, health-care employees, who may be susceptible to workplace violence incidents while working alone, may benefit from discreet duress alarms to avoid escalating a dangerous situation. Audible alarms may be more suitable for someone working outdoors.
Consider the ease of adaptability. In addition to assessing the number of potential users, how new devices will integrate with preexisting technology should be considered. While mobile applications can be a cost-effective way for larger organizations to incorporate lone worker monitoring, smaller companies should assess the benefits and cost effectiveness of adopting additional capabilities.
Use technology comprehensively. Some technologies can help employers quickly implement new safety solutions into their workplaces but may not offer the customization needed to successfully integrate the new technology into other parts of the organization or address a range of hazards.1
“Developing a lone worker safety policy should begin with conducting a hazard assessment to determine the types of tasks your workers perform, potential risks associated with the tasks and emergency procedures in place.”
– Ken Jones, Summit LP
Developing a lone worker safety policy
Although OSHA does not have a standard that specifically addresses lone workers, employers are required under the general duty clause to provide a safe work environment. In addition to providing monitoring devices, developing a lone worker safety policy can help achieve this. The policy should clearly outline safe work procedures and explain employee responsibilities to help mitigate lone work hazards.
“Developing a lone worker safety policy should begin with conducting a hazard assessment to determine the types of tasks your workers perform, potential risks associated with the tasks, and emergency procedures in place,” adds Ken Jones, loss prevention senior manager at Summit. “You can even ask your employees to help identify risks and share what would make them feel safer when working alone to make sure you are addressing their concerns. It’s important to communicate that your safety policy and procedures are required and not merely a suggestion.”
Summit is here to help
If you’d like additional information on lone worker safety, please contact your Summit loss prevention consultant.
Footnotes
- “NSC Work to Zero Initiative Releases New Research to Help Prevent Lone Worker Incidents.” NSC, National Safety Council, October 16, 2023 nsc.org/newsroom/work-to-zero-new-research-prevent- lone-worker-inci (Accessed Jan. 4, 2024).
- “Lone Worker Safety.” Safety+Health, National Safety Council, Dec. 19, 2021, safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22061-lone-worker-safety (Accessed Jan. 4, 2024).
- Cantwell, R. “Wearable Devices and Lone Workers: The Importance of Connectivity.” OHS, 1105 Media Inc., Infrastructure Solutions Group, May 1, 2021. hohsonline.com/articles/2021/05/01/wearable-devices-and-lone-workers-the-importance-of-connectivity.aspx (Accessed Jan. 4, 2024).
Disclaimer
The information presented in this publication is intended to provide guidance and is not intended as a legal interpretation of any federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations applicable to your business. The loss prevention information provided is intended only to assist policyholders of Summit managed insurers in the management of potential loss producing conditions involving their premises and/or operations based on generally accepted safe practices. In providing such information, Summit Consulting LLC does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been evaluated or can be controlled. It is not intended as an offer to write insurance for such conditions or exposures. The liability of Summit Consulting LLC and its managed insurers is limited to the terms, limits and conditions of the insurance policies underwritten by any of them.