Workplace safety is an important matter. This is why the Health and Safety Executive or HSE exists, so measures for workplace safety will be enforced.
Unfortunately, not all of these measures apply to those who work alone. Being physically apart from co-workers can easily put an employee at risk. This is why lone worker safety is something that a lot of companies struggle with today.
If you’re classified as a lone worker, you would know what your employer is doing to help protect you from work-related hazards. You probably also know that they’re not always enough to ensure that nothing bad will happen to you. There are circumstances where only you can protect yourself from the threat that you’re facing.
Preparing for the worst is one of the wisest things that a lone worker can do. Here are seven tips that every lone worker should take to heart:
1. Stay alert at all times.
Be aware of what your surrounding is like so you can always expect what’s coming. You might not know what will strike, but staying on your toes will help you react quickly if anything happens.
2. Know the risks involved in your job.
Different jobs have various risks so it’s essential that you learn what kinds of threats and dangerous situations you might find yourself face to face with in the future. This will help you anticipate what could happen, letting you prepare yourself by coming up with ways how to react. As prevention is always better than cure, it’s best to be ready for the various kinds of dangers your job can come with.
3. Bad things can and do happen.
Lone workers should be realistic so they can be prepared for the dangers that come with their job. You can’t do that if you think that nothing bad will happen to you. That’s just denying yourself of being ready for the bad things that can strike and it will put you in danger. By coming to terms with the risks that come with working alone, you will be better prepared for what can happen.
4. Trust your instincts.
Sometimes, your gut will tell you if something’s up. It’s best to believe what it tells you so you can be more careful with your surroundings.
5. Always keep your personal safety device or mobile phone with you. If you don’t have one, make sure someone else knows where you are and what time you should be back.
If your company uses a safety device to track their lone workers, you should always keep the device on you at all times. If you don’t, have emergency numbers on speed dial. These can help you send distress calls and alarms easily should you need it.
If you don’t have one, make sure to always inform someone about your schedule. This will allow you to be monitored somehow. If you didn’t come back by the time you should be back, they can take appropriate measures to check in with you or ask for and send help right away if necessary.
6. Keep valuable items out of sight.
To keep yourself from attracting unwanted attention, keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Don’t wear jewelry if you don’t have to. Stash your bag and gadgets under the seats inside your car or just leave them at home or the office. Bring only what you need on meetings and visits if you can. This way, you won’t have to lose or damage them in case something happens.
7. Plan your visit ahead.
If your job takes you to unfamiliar places all the time, it’s very important that you plan your visit ahead. This will help you familiarize yourself with the area and be ready for whatever threat that can be present there.
Preparation and quick modes of communication are just two of the most important things for lone worker safety. With these two, you can arm yourself with some level of protection from various kinds of threats.