| Purpose |
To protect Sales Agents from physical, mental, and environmental risks associated with working alone at a show home or equivalent Sales Work Site. This SWP provides measures to reduce hazards, enforce compliance with applicable work-alone legislation, and promote situational awareness to prevent and respond to emergencies effectively. |
| Definition |
Working alone refers to performing tasks without immediate assistance or direct supervision in environments that may present elevated risks. In show homes, this includes operating without other workers on-site, securing the premises in isolated conditions, and interacting with unknown visitors. These situations require enhanced safety measures to address risks such as violence, unauthorized access, or emergencies (e.g., fire, injury). |
| Hazards
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.
|
Chemical:
Physical:
- Slips/Trips
- Lifting Injuries
- Fire/Explosion/Bomb Threat/Intrusions
- Poor lighting
- Natural disasters
- Personal Health Issues
Psychosocial:
- Violence/Harassment
- Fatigue/Stress
- Break-ins/Vandalism
- Unauthorized visitors
|
| Controls |
Engineering:
- Communication device (e.g., cell phone or 2-way radios)
- Alarm systems
- Surveillance Cameras
- Alarm panic button(s) (if installed or available)
Administrative:
- Work Alone Plan
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
|
| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Regularly review and update the ERP and Work Alone Plans to adapt to new risks or safety technologies.
- Check in with Sales Agents as specified in the Work Alone Plan.
- Ensure Alarm system, surveillance cameras and personal panic fob are tested on a regular basis. If deficiencies are found, ensure that they are corrected immediately, and that no Worker works alone in the deficient area during until corrective action is taken.
- Ensure first aid kit is stocked, and fire extinguisher is in working order on site.
Do not
- Allow Sales Agents to work alone if critical safety measures are not in place, including but not limited to camera, telephone or reception and an alarm system.
|
| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Understand work alone legislation and options available to you when working alone.
- Establish and be familiar with your Work Alone Plan, including your work alone buddy and check-in protocol.
- Familiarize yourself with all entry/exit points of the show home and ensure they are easily accessible in emergencies. Ensure clear walkways, adequate lighting.
- Review Sales Agent Safety Booklet.
- Ensure that your personal vehicle is parked in a well-lit area and close to the home.
- Be vigilant and aware of unusual visitors or vehicles near the area. Trust your instincts to leave if you feel unsafe.
- Check to make sure that the home is properly secured – including basement windows, other outside doors and the front door.
- Wear the panic fob at all times.
- Test the personal panic fob at the start of each day.
- Report all unusual incidents or equipment malfunctions immediately to your supervisor or work-alone buddy.
- Check the show home landline to ensure that it is connected by hearing the dial tone.
- Complete check-ins with your established work alone buddy on arrival.
- Lock the door behind you after coming in and disarming the alarm system.
- Inspect show home and get ready to open.
- Log all Incoming calls by phone in the daily log, noting date, time, caller, topic discussed, and call back number(s). If the person refuses to give their call-back information, be alert for unusual activities around the home.
- If there are unusual activities, evaluate if you are in “Imminent Danger” and phone a fellow Sales Agent or the Sales Manager to report what is happening.
- Inspect and secure the Work Site before leaving.
- Complete a final check-in with work alone buddy.
Do not
- Work without your panic fob or cell phone.
|
