September 23, 2024
In the rapidly evolving workplace, the safety of employees - particularly those who work alone - has emerged as a key area of focus. This post, based on a recent Dynamis training session, summarizes three key considerations for workplaces seeking to improve lone worker safety.
Risk assessments play a vital role in ensuring workplace safety across the board, and particularly for lone workers. They are a crucial tool that can help prevent incidents and protect employees and should never be considered ‘just a formality’.
To carry out effective risk assessments, workplaces should refer to relevant guidance documents and procure relevant training.
Producing an effective risk assessment should be a holistic process, incorporating a variety of factors which include health and safety regulations, potential dangers specific to the job or environment and the individual capabilities of the worker.
Ask your training provider how they incorporate this key area into their training offer.
Most lone workers have stories about times they faced significant risk at work. It’s vital they are encouraged to trust their intuition when it alerts them to danger and they know they are supported by their employer to take decisive action when dealing with potential risks.
After an incident vital details often emerge which, if they had been shared sooner, would have made a difference to the lone worker’s ability to gauge risk, predict potential hazards and take appropriate action. There is a need for a more open and transparent flow of information within and between workplaces to accurately gauge levels of risk and inform the planning of risk controls.
After an incident, work should not resume until all identified risks are adequately addressed and controlled for. Ask your training provider for their advice, they will be happy to discuss this with you.
Post-incident, it is critical that those involved take part in an immediate debriefing and wellness check. These checks not only help to assess the physical well-being of the people involved but also provide a platform for them to share their experiences.
During the debriefings, teams can discuss what went well and identify areas that could be improved for future incidents. This process helps foster a sense of camaraderie and support among the team while also improving the organization's overall incident response.
When a traumatic event occurs it is important that regular check-ins take place over a period of weeks or even months. This ongoing support helps ensure the individual is coping with the trauma in a healthy and productive way, reducing the risk of long-term psychological harm. If in doubt, ask your training provider - they will be able to offer insight in this area.
At Dynamis we understand the importance of proactive risk assessment, decisive action during incidents and comprehensive post-incident procedures.
When you contact us, we work with you to perform a comprehensive training needs analysis of your workplace and people. We use this to shape a training offer that focuses on your particular needs and ensures everyone has the tools they need to stay safe at work.
Schedule a call with us to discuss how we can help improve the safety of your lone workers.
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