What are some best practices for managing OH&S risks in remote or isolated work settings?

1 Assess the risks

Before you start working remotely or in isolation, you should conduct a risk assessment to identify the potential hazards and their severity. These may include environmental factors, such as weather, terrain, wildlife, or infrastructure, as well as psychosocial factors, such as loneliness, stress, or lack of support. You should also consider the nature and duration of your work, the equipment and resources you need, and the communication and emergency procedures you have. Based on your risk assessment, you should develop a plan to eliminate or minimize the hazards and monitor your situation regularly.

2 Follow the policies

Depending on your industry and employer, there may be specific policies and procedures for remote or isolated work. You should familiarize yourself with these and follow them accordingly. For example, you may need to report your location, schedule, and activities to a designated person, or use a check-in system to confirm your safety and well-being. You should also comply with any standards and regulations that apply to your work, such as personal protective equipment, ergonomics, or hygiene.

3 Stay connected

Working remotely or in isolation can affect your mental health and social needs. You should maintain regular contact with your colleagues, managers, and family, and seek help if you feel isolated, depressed, or anxious. You can use various communication tools, such as phone, email, or video conferencing, to stay in touch and share your experiences and challenges. You should also participate in any online or virtual events or activities that your employer or community offers, such as training, meetings, or social gatherings.

4 Be prepared

Working remotely or in isolation can expose you to unexpected situations or emergencies that may require immediate action. You should be prepared for these by having the necessary equipment, supplies, and skills to deal with them. For example, you should have a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, and a backup power source, as well as know how to use them. You should also have a contingency plan in case of an accident, injury, or illness, and know how to contact and access emergency services.

5 Take care of yourself

Working remotely or in isolation can also affect your physical health and well-being. You should take care of yourself by following a healthy lifestyle and routine. This means eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. You should also avoid or limit alcohol, tobacco, or other substances that may impair your judgment or performance. You should also take breaks and balance your work and personal life, and avoid working long hours or overtime.

6 Review and improve

Working remotely or in isolated work settings is not a static or fixed situation. You should review and improve your OH&S management regularly and whenever there are changes in your work or environment. You should seek feedback from your employer, colleagues, and family, and report any issues or incidents that may affect your health and safety. You should also update your risk assessment and plan accordingly, and implement any corrective or preventive actions that may be necessary.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?