Empowering Lone Workers With Safety Solutions

In Australia, lone workers play a pivotal role across various industries, from agriculture and construction to retail and healthcare. While these lone warriors contribute significantly to the economy, they are exposed to a range of workplace hazards that can jeopardise their well-being.

What are the Most Common Hazards of Lone Working?

• Medical Emergencies: Lone workers may lack immediate access to assistance in cases of sudden illness or injury, leading to potentially worsened conditions.

• Accidents and Falls: Minor incidents such as slips and falls can escalate when there's no one nearby to provide aid.

• Violence and Threats: Lone workers can face intimidation and harassment, whether from co-workers, supervisors, or even strangers, putting them at risk of physical harm and psychological distress.

• Environmental Hazards: Those working in isolated or outdoor settings may confront environmental elements like extreme weather conditions or encounters with wildlife.

• Mental Health Concerns: Isolation can contribute to mental health issues, including stress and anxiety, among lone workers.

As employers, we have a moral and legal obligation to ensure their safety at all times. When they feel secure and well-supported, they can perform at their best.

How Can You Keep Your Lone Workers Safe?

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 is a comprehensive piece of legislation in Australia that places a legal obligation on employers to ensure the safety and health of their workers, including lone workers. Let's delve into some key aspects of this act:

• Duty of Care: Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for all employees, including those working alone. This duty extends to identifying and mitigating risks associated with lone work.

• Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments specific to lone working situations. These assessments should identify potential hazards and outline strategies to eliminate or minimise those risks.

• Communication: Establishing effective communication channels is crucial. Lone workers should have a reliable means of contacting supervisors or colleagues in case of emergencies. This may include mobile phones, two-way radios, or satellite communication devices.

• Training and Education: Employers are responsible for providing adequate training and education to lone workers regarding the risks associated with their jobs and the safety measures to be followed. Regular refresher courses may also be necessary.

• Monitoring and Check-Ins: Employers should establish protocols for regular check-ins with lone workers. This ensures that their well-being is continuously monitored, and any issues can be addressed promptly.

• Emergency Response Plans: Having clear and effective emergency response plans in place is essential. Lone workers should be aware of these plans and know how to implement them in case of emergencies.

What’s the Importance of Having a Lone Worker Safety Device?

If the lone worker alarm activates during an emergency, it will immediately send alerts to a predetermined list of emergency contacts or our team of dedicated nurses at the response centre. This quick response can prove to be a critical factor in life-or-death scenarios. Additionally, our INS nurses are available 24/7, not only for emergencies but also for friendly conversations or assistance. You can contact us at any time, day or night, and they can coordinate with your GP or other primary healthcare providers as needed.

Choose the device that suits your needs and preferences for enhanced safety:

• LifeGuard SmartTracker: This device allows lone workers to call for help with a single button press. It has GPS for easy location and can connect to friends, family, or INS LifeGuard's experienced nurses. It also functions as a fall detector.

• LifeGuard SafetyWatch: A stylish personal safety alarm with an SOS button for real-time alerts. It includes features like heart rate monitoring, step counting, fall detection, voice prompts, geofence alerts, and 2-way calling. It's waterproof and easy to use.

• LifeGuard SmartMobile App: This mobile app turns compatible phones into duress alarms. It features an emergency button, GPS tracking, and an auto-answer function for communication with lone workers. It works with the LifeGuard Mia BT4 device and can be downloaded for free.

Are you a small business owner in New South Wales (NSW) with lone workers? Seize the chance to boost their safety and receive rebates of up to $1000 under the small business rebate scheme when you invest in safety improvements.

Putting safety first not only guarantees the efficiency and security of lone working but also helps prevent potential issues down the road.

Don't wait until it's too late!

Whether you're an employer wanting to keep your team safe or an employee looking for extra protection, reach out to INS LifeGuard today. ?

Explore the life-saving benefits of our personal alarm systems and medical alarm services to make lone working safer for everyone involved.