Lone Worker Safety Tips
Do you often find yourself alone on the job?? Maybe you are a real estate agent, therapist, ride-share driver, or utility worker who spends every day in your field alone. Being a lone worker comes at a risk, which is why we are providing the top lone worker safety tips.
Dangers for Lone Workers
Whether you are exposed to potential hazards without the help of another trained professional or are entering the personal space of a client, being a lone worker has its risks. Let's use a real estate agent as an example. Real estate agents often have to enter empty homes with little to no knowledge of who else may be joining them. There are dozens of things that could go wrong, but it doesn't change the fact that it is a part of the job. So, what steps could they take as a lone worker?
Lone Worker Safety Tips
1. Identify Potential Hazards
When you enter a new space as a worker, you need to identify potential hazards alone or not. You never want to assume that you are 100% safe. Potential hazards are anything that looks out of the ordinary and could include unsafe equipment, unfriendly dogs, individuals who were not supposed to be there, and more. You need to trust your instincts when it comes to safety. If you feel uncomfortable, then leave and report it to a supervisor if you have one. You want to avoid unnecessary risks, and remember that your safety is always the priority.
2. Have a Known Schedule
When going from job to job, you want to have a known schedule. Your schedule should include where you are going to be (address, contact info, etc.) and how long you expect to be there. The information should then be shared and monitored by a point of contact, whether that is a supervisor or a trusted individual.
4. Use a Safety Device