Would you allow one of your workers to enter a construction site without a hard hat? Out of the question, right?
Utilising Lone Worker Protection Devices As A Standard Part Of PPE
Lone worker protection devices can save your worker’s lives, but they don’t have magical properties! No matter how advanced or detailed the system you select to keep your employees safe, it only works if used consistently and correctly.
One of the biggest hurdles for many of our clients is a lack of compliance by their staff. The systems are set up, the policies are in place, the devices are available, but they are not being used.
When it comes to health and safety, your lone worker device is as essential as a hard hat on a building site. If you wouldn’t allow staff to enter a construction area without that vital piece of PPE, you shouldn’t allow someone to work alone without a lone worker device.
Below, we discuss the regulations around lone worker protection and offer tips on encouraging workers to use the systems available to them. If non-compliance is an issue that needs to be addressed in your workplace, read on.
What Do The Regulations Say About Lone Worker Protection Devices?
In section 21 of the HSWA, 2016, Managing risks associated with remote or isolated work, it states that businesses must manage, in accordance with the regulations, the risks to the health and safety of a worker who performs remote or isolated work. The regulations state that the employer must provide a system of work that includes effective communication with the worker.
Employment New Zealand also recommends that lone working employees should have an effective means of getting help quickly in an emergency and maintain regular contact with another person (e.g. another worker) or, if regular contact is impractical, they should check in with another person at regular intervals.
For lone workers, devices and safety systems are considered an essential part of electronic PPE. In many situations, there is no other way to keep in regular contact with workers and ensure their safety, remotely.
These regulations are mandatory, not voluntary. It is an employer’s responsibility to do everything in their power to protect their workers, including developing solutions to prevent non-compliance.
Why Non-Compliance Happens
Each organisation is different, so the reasons staff fail to adopt lone safety solutions may be varied. However, non-compliance generally boils down to the following reasons:
· Lack of understanding – either of how the devices work or the benefits of using them
· Ineffective communication around the roll-out or safety policies involved
· Worker perceptions – staff may be reluctant due to perceptions about the devices being cumbersome, intrusive, or time-consuming to use
· A poor safety-culture
How To Encourage Lone Workers To Use Safety Solutions
There are a number of ways that you can encourage the use of these PPE safety solutions. They are:
Create a lone working policy outlining the expectations for your staff clearly and simply. Include details on how and when to use lone worker devices and what to do in emergency situations.
Engage your workers. Your entire team should be involved in the creation of your safety policy and be given the opportunity to raise issues and discuss solutions at any time. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage suggestions and feedback.
Provide comprehensive training and support. Ensure each staff member receives practical training on how to use safety devices and systems. Distribute step by step guides for them to refer to. A safety checklist may be helpful as workers adapt to new systems and procedures.
Supervise and review device usage. Regularly review and analyse how your safety devices are being used. This will help you pick up any problems reducing compliance issues; a good solution will provide monthly usage and alarm reports.
Be transparent. Some workers may have concerns about being “spied on.” Clarify that the devices are only used to monitor safety, and commit not to invade your workers' privacy. It’s all about safety.
A comprehensive safety policy, adequate training, and effective communication are vital when introducing lone worker protection devices. Direct Safety has various resources that can help your organisation every step of the way. Contact us to find out more.