Protecting your lone workers is about more than just PPE.
While providing the right equipment is a great start, your organisation will need a multi-layered approach to provide the safest possible environment for lone workers.
Lay the foundations with comprehensive groundwork to create an effective safety culture, and utilise alarm devices and monitoring to complete the picture.
What do we mean by that?
Well, this article will walk through the various elements required to provide protection for lone workers – from risk assessment and policy to training and equipment.
Let’s get into it!
Health and Safety policies are often very cut and dry.
They lay out the ways to keep a workforce safe from harm in a practical way.
Often, they include things like processes for doing things in the safest way, handling hazardous substances, operating heavy machinery and fall protection.
But, they don't often include the less tangible aspects of safety. Like protecting the safety of your worker's wellbeing.
Technology is one of those things. It can create amazing advancement for the health and safety of a business or it can be a right pain in the neck!
Obviously, any business wants to make sure that any technology implemented into their business falls into the former category.
But, technology does tend to carry a reputation.
Implementing it means change. It can also mean resistance from the team and ill feeling.
Fortunately, there is a way to avoid that and ensure that your new technology is received positively.
Let’s explore the common feelings around technology, how to choose the right technology options for your business and how to make implementation a positive experience.
For many, it’s the image of the solo linesman up a ladder in a remote area. But lone workers are found in a vast range of industries and roles – from healthcare and retail to manufacturing and utilities, all with their own unique risk profile.
No wonder developing a lone worker safety policy can feel like a daunting task!
But just like any job, it’s done with baby steps. The first step, in this case, is being able to identify your lone workers and the risks they face.
Our latest blog showcases the common lone worker industries and hazards.
You have a responsibility for their safety. The regulations are clear, the rules are clear, and that kind of PPE is commonplace.
So, what about your lone workers – would you allow them to head out on a job without a lone worker device?
Lone worker solutions protect your staff in the same way a hard hat does on a construction site.
The technology may be more advanced, but the solution is simple.
Our latest blog talks about lone worker devices as PPE and offers tips on how to ensure compliance in your workplace.
Why do workplace accidents happen?
Often, it’s due to staff taking unnecessary risks.
Training, experience and safety gear are only effective if your employees follow procedures.
There are many reasons why people take risks, but one of the most influential factors is the safety culture within your organisation.
If you want to create a safe workplace, it’s essential to address more than just the physical environment.
You must also work to create a culture that prioritises safety.
Our latest blog explores why risk-taking may occur and how to address this by creating a positive safety culture in the workplace.
Want to improve workplace safety for your team members working at heights?
Falls are one of the most common workplace accidents.
In 2020, more than 6000 NZ workers needed at least a week of work due to injuries from falls.
Training and safety gear are crucial, but there are more advanced options available for protecting your lone workers.
Lone worker solutions include devices that can detect falls, communicate directly with injured workers, and send an emergency response even when they are incapacitated.
Our latest blog outlines the best features of connected safety devices and describes how they can help your team clock off safe and sound every day.
Want to improve health and safety within your organisation?
Before you even start looking at policies, strategies, and equipment, you need to address one vital aspect…
Communication.
If your team finds communication challenging, you will have a hard time complying with basic H&S measures, let alone introducing new initiatives.
When we work with organisations to introduce lone worker safety solutions, we often find that communication issues are the biggest obstacle for many managers.
Conversely, teams with a positive safety culture prioritise effective communication, making it easier to keep everyone safe.
Our latest blog talks about why good communication is crucial in building a positive safety culture and provides tips on improving communication in your organisation.
Read it here.
Do you want to improve your lone worker safety but don’t know where to start?
We often meet H&S managers who know they need to make some changes to their lone worker process or system, or even get a system in place, but just don’t know where to start.
Lone worker projects may feel overwhelming, but as with any big project, the best way to approach it is to break it down into achievable steps.
Our latest blog post does just that.
We outline the six steps you need to take to kickstart your lone worker protection project and keep your workers safe.
Read it here.
Is “Big Brother” such a bad thing in the workplace?
Many businesses want to introduce GPS monitoring systems for lone workers.
But although they are aware of the health and safety benefits, they are worried about the negative perceptions workers might have about being tracked.
Although lone worker solutions are all about worker wellbeing, the privacy concerns are valid.
However, there are so many benefits to having a protective “big brother” keeping your employees safe.
So, how can managers implement innovative GPS solutions without disrupting workplace culture?
Our latest blog discusses the issue from our industry perspective and includes important information to help get your team on board.
