Our comprehensive guide to lone working provides straightforward advice for anyone who employs lone workers.
How is a “lone worker” defined?
A lone worker is generally considered to be working alone if he or she is performing any work function alone at a workplace or is not directly supervised by the employer or a person designated by the employer. A worker is considered to be working in isolation if they are working in circumstances where assistance is not readily available in the case of emergency, ill health or accident. Working alone is not always hazardous but when certain circumstances are in play, it can be quite dangerous. Injuries, accidents and violent public interactions can occur while an individual is working alone and it is important to ensure that lone workers are monitored.
What is lone worker monitoring?
Lone worker monitoring is a practice that involves scrutinizing the safety of employees who work out of sound and sight from other workers. This type of monitoring helps employers check in on their lone workers and see that they are safe. Whether a lone worker is exposed to risk or not, monitoring must be undertaken in order for companies to comply with provincial and federal legislations. Lone worker monitoring is generally done through phone-based check in systems (like the platforms used by AloneCheck) where employees receive automated calls to a smartphone or land line
What lone worker activities are considered high-risk?
The following conditions are considered high-risk lone worker activities:
What professionals are considered lone workers?
A lone worker is anyone who cannot be seen or heard by any other person while they’re doing their job.
Lone workers include:
What legislations are in place at the federal and provincial level?
In Canada, under Bill C-45, the Criminal Code has been amended to state that organizations and individuals may be criminally liable for failure to take reasonable measures to protect employee safety. The Bill C-45 regulations apply to all staff and organizations/individuals working in Canada. Legislation is also in place at the provincial level that varies from province to province.
Information courtesy of CCOHS: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
For more information
For more information and a detailed consultation about Interglobe’s Alonecheck monitoring system and how we can help you comply with the provincial and federal legislation, please contact us toll-free at 1-866-663-7062.
