Lone worker safety is a growing concern this summer
Here are some of the latest trends to watch this summer when it comes to lone worker safety.
Jen HandleyJuly 26, 2024
Working in the heat is dangerous. Not only can it be life-threatening, but heat in the workplace can pose somewhat complex hazards, affecting people of different fitness levels who may not know if they are staying hydrated enough while performing different tasks during the hot summer months. This risk and danger for employees is even greater when they are working alone in an environment where help is not easily available if they need it urgently in the event of an accident or emergency.
Working alone in the heat
Working in high temperatures puts employees at risk for occupational heat illness, which according to OSHA is related to four main factors, including environmental conditions, physical activity levels, use of protective clothing and gear, and personal risk factors unique to each individual worker.
There are many safety measures you can take to safely work in hot environments, such as implementing a heat warning curriculum or a buddy system to monitor heat tolerance. However, working alone introduces additional risks and challenges, making for a more dangerous and unpredictable work environment. Heat stress can cause painful heat rash and cramps, and can lead to debilitating heat exhaustion and heat stroke – all illnesses that can lead to unconsciousness and require immediate medical attention.
However, working alone puts you at a huge disadvantage because if you collapse and injure your head due to the heat, there is no colleague nearby to alert you. Furthermore, because there is no colleague to remind you, you also run the risk of forgetting to take preventative safety measures such as drinking water regularly or taking breaks in the shade. A solo worker does not have that support.
There are several industries that require employees to work in the sun, heat, and sometimes in isolation. This includes workers in fields such as water and electrical installations, wildlife and conservation, and agriculture, where heatstroke and dehydration are issues and common occupational hazards.
The Other Side of the Sun
Aside from the scorching rays of the summer sun, there are a number of occupational hazards that people who work alone are particularly at risk from, including accidents while traveling to work and workplace violence and assault. This is a major occupational issue that has received much-deserved attention and safety legislation in recent years. Most recently, Senate Bill 553 required California employers to implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans to protect their employees.
