Upon completion of this safety talk, participants will be able to:

• Take steps to help lone workers stay safe on the job
• Identify and create a check-in procedure

What is a lone worker?

A worker is considered alone when they are on their own, cannot be seen or heard by another person or do not have direct contact with others. Lone workers should not engage in high-risk activities, such as working at heights, in confined spaces and with electricity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not have a standard for this. However, the agency can cite employers for violating the general duty clause or other pertinent regulations.

Whenever possible, avoid working alone. If you must work alone, there are some steps to help lone workers stay safe:

• Assess the hazards.
• Establish a check-in procedure to maintain regular contact with others.

Implementing a check-in procedure is critical. Decide if a verbal check-in is all that is required or if a visual check is needed. A phone will most likely be the main source of contact for lone workers. Ensure it is charged and close by. If cell service is spotty, have a backup communication method such as a two-way radio or satellite communication devices like the Garmin inReach satellite communicator, which can send emergency texts. 

Important aspects to include when implementing a check-in procedure:

• Detail a daily work plan, including when the lone worker should be in a specific place.
• Identify one contact person and a backup.
• Determine when and how the lone worker
  will check in.
• Pick out a code word for when help is needed.
• Develop an emergency plan if the lone worker does not check in.
• Ensure the contact person knows when and how to activate the emergency plan.

Employers should:

• Talk to workers about the tasks they will be doing and get their input.
• Provide training to lone workers and the person tasked with responding if there is an emergency.
• Schedule any high-risk tasks to be done during normal business hours or when other people
  are present.
• Establish a way to visually or verbally account for people while working.
  

The main contact person should know important details about the lone worker’s movements such as their destination, estimated time of arrival, return time, contact information, how they are getting to the site and alternative plans in case of bad weather or other issues.

Discussion questions

• When is a worker considered alone?
• What are three aspects of a good check-in procedure?
• What steps should an employer take?