Is Lone Working Dangerous For Employees?

We have decades of experience and often write about the nuances and options of lone worker systems as well as perspectives on the categories of lone working and their relative risks.   Working alone comes with a plethora of risks and dangers which make lone worker devices, like those supplied by TWIG Australia, absolutely essential. Working alone is defined by employment where the employee cannot physically see or be seen by another person or talk and be heard by another person. In most cases, lone workers perform their responsibilities for hours without interacting with other people. In these cases, not being able to physically call for help can pose a threat to the safety of the employee in the instance they are subject to injury or assault. Working alone often also calls into question the mental health of the employee.

Can An Employee Work Alone?

In Australia, the law allows employees to work alone for extended periods, provided that a risk assessment is undertaken and steps are taken to secure the health of the lone worker. There are some exceptions to this, for instance if a medical condition or pregnancy may make working alone dangerous by default. In most cases, however, a lone worker risk assessment is completed and the employee is allowed to work alone, provided they are protected by some means. A TWIG Lone Worker Safety Device is classified as a legal means of protection for lone workers.

Is Working Alone Bad For Mental Health?

Lone workers often report feelings of isolation from their workplace, their peers and their routine tasks. Given this staple, it makes sense for executive-level staff to contact lone workers several times throughout their shift: not just when there is a problem. Face-to-face training and regular training courses are another good way to ensure that lone workers do not fall prey to mental health issues as a result of the nature of their work. In-house communications plans, like workplace forums and group emails are yet another mechanism by which lone workers can sustain good mental health and remain in contact with their colleagues.

Why Is Lone Working Dangerous?

Lone working is, of course, dangerous due to the lack of proximity and therefore communication potential between employees. This means that in an incident, lone workers cannot call for help and have help immediately visit their location. Regardless of whether a lone worker is operating machinery, working on dangerous ground or in contact with potentially dangerous customers or passers-by, if they are injured or assaulted, they must have a means by which to communicate with another employee or third-party security force. TWIG Australia Lone Worker Safety Devices enable instantaneous communication between employees working alone and head office. Help can be summoned immediately to their location and first aid or emergency services can be called shortly thereafter.

How Do You Stay Safe When Working Alone?

The best way to maintain safety when working alone is to check in regularly with head office using a lone worker device. If a worker fails to report regularly, head office should immediately check in on them physically.

Lone Worker Safety Devices products and services available for Sale

If your lone worker safety plan includes equipping employees with lone worker safety devices, contact TWIG Australia today to discuss our product offering. We have a range of lone worker safety devices suitable for most envorinments and job tasks for sale and can help your business remain compliant with State Government regulation and ensure the safety of your employees as they operate alone at work. 

TWIG Australia is open for business Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call our friendly sales team on (02) 9412 2100 to discuss suitability of any of the products listed on our site or to ask any questions about customising a solution or even creating a lone worker safety plan. We look forward to receiving your call.