Working Alone

This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.

• Wildlife encounters

Chemical:

• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Carbon Monoxide

Physical: 

• Personal Health Issues
• Slips/Trips
• Equipment or machinery failure
• Inadequate Lighting
• Weather Conditions
• Overhead work
• Falling objects
• Reduced visibility

Psychosocial:

• Violence/Harassment
• Communication Failure
• Fatigue/Stress

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
• Communication device (e.g., cell phone or 2-way radios)

Administrative:

• Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
• Hazard Assessment
• Work Alone Plan
• First Aid Training
• First Aid Kit

• Ensure means of communication are available.
• Verify that workers have completed site-specific hazard assessments before working alone.
• Ensure Workers are trained to use the Work Alone Plan.
• Maintain records of Work Alone Plan training and provide refresher courses as needed.
• Conduct regular audits of communication systems (e.g., phones, two-way radios) and emergency procedures.
• Limit duration of lone work to reduce fatigue.
• Follow up with Workers as per Work Alone Plan if necessary.
• If attempts to contact a worker fail:
  • Attempt to reach the worker’s cell phone or alternate communication device.
  • Notify the supervisor or site manager.
  • As a last resort, alert local emergency services and provide the worker’s last known location.

Do not

• Allow Workers to work alone if they are not trained.
• Schedule high-risk tasks.
• Allow worker to work alone if they appear to be Fatigued or Unwell any way that may affect their safety.
• Allow worker to work if the weather or environmental conditions pose a significant risk (e.g., extreme cold, wildlife activity, poor visibility).

• Complete a Hazard Assessment before beginning work. Identify and mitigate potential risks, including environmental conditions and usability of safety equipment.
• Be aware of work alone legislation, responsibilities and options. · Establish and be familiar with your Work Alone Plan.
• Establish a communication link with someone able to act as a “work alone buddy,” without exception. This applies to all Employees in all hours of the day and night, seven days a week. During a normal working period, your Supervisor/Superintendent is your “work alone buddy” and expects to be in regular contact with you.
• Inspect first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
• Notify supervisors of missing or malfunctioning communication devices, alarm systems, or other safety mechanisms immediately.
• Ensure clear walkways, adequate lighting, and safe access/egress.
• Make the required phone calls as per Work Alone Plan.
  • If you do not call your Supervisor/Superintendent or “work alone buddy” in accordance with the times set out in the Work Alone Plan, the Supervisor/Superintendent or “work alone buddy” must call the Worker working alone to confirm the health and safety of the Worker.
  • If no contact is made, the Supervisor/Superintendent or “work alone buddy” must proceed to the last known place of work to ensure that the Worker is alright.
• On off-hours and weekends, the after-hour Supervisor/Superintendent is the “work alone buddy”.
• If the working conditions change, update your Hazard Assessment.

Do not

• Accept to work alone if you are not trained, if you are uncomfortable to do so or if safety mechanism required are not available. Do not work alone if you feel unsafe or unsure about the task.
• Perform Work alone unless you have received authorization from a Supervisor.
• Work alone if you are feeling fatigued or unwell, or in any way that may affect your judgment or physical ability.
• Miss or fail to contact your “work alone buddy” at any time.
• Work alone if you are unable to maintain communication with your designated contact person.
• Work alone if changes in work conditions introduce new hi-risk activities.