Risk Assessment Template - Tailored for Remote Lone Workers

Navigate the unique challenges of remote work locations with confidence.

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risk assessment template for remote lone workers

Understanding Remote Lone Workers

Remote lone workers are those who operate far from urban centers and conventional workspaces. Since the popularity boost of working from home, many confuse this with remote workers, but there are two definitions - the second facing significantly high risk. Roles encompassing remote lone workers include land surveyors, field service technicians, environmental researchers, and more.

Risks include:

The travel to and from remote sites
Isolation
Fatigue
Environmental hazards such as harsh terrain and wildlife
Lack of mobile coverage hindering communication

Why This Checklist is Vital for Your Workers

Comprehensive Environmental Risk Coverage: Tackles unique challenges like harsh terrain and lack of mobile coverage.
Travel and Isolation Safety: Strategies to manage risks associated with travel and working in solitude.
Fatigue Management: Guidelines to prevent and address work-related fatigue in remote settings.

How to use the Lone Worker Risk Assessment?

Users can fill out the form online through an interactive PDF. Similarly, you can print the form and fill by hand. After completing the assessment, you will have a good indication of the risks in that role, and whether your current policies mitigate these risks. Control measures might include:

Environmental Adaptation Strategies: Tailoring safety measures to remote settings, including weather preparedness and terrain navigation.
Remote Communication Protocols: Establishing reliable methods for regular check-ins and emergency contact, considering areas with poor signal.
Mental Health Resources: Providing support for the psychological challenges of remote work, including isolation.
Safety and Environmental Audits: Conducting field-specific risk assessments to adapt to changing conditions and hazards.
Emergency Response Plans: Developing specific plans for remote rescue, medical emergencies, and evacuation tailored to remote work locations.

FAQs

Is lone working suitable for everyone?

Not all individuals are suitable for lone working. Some employees may have specific vulnerabilities or medical conditions that make lone working unsafe. It is important to consider individual capabilities, health, training, and personal circumstances when determining whether someone is suitable for lone working or if additional support or accommodations are required.

How often should a lone worker risk assessment be reviewed?

The frequency of reviewing lone worker risk assessments may vary based on the nature of the work, associated risks, and any changes in work conditions. It is generally recommended to review and update the assessment at least annually or whenever there are significant changes in work processes, environments, or regulations.

Are lone worker risk assessments a legal requirement?

In many jurisdictions, conducting lone worker risk assessments is a legal requirement. Regulations and standards may vary, but employers are generally obligated to assess and manage the risks associated with lone working to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of their employees.

Centralised visibility of your entire workforce

Why use SafetyIQ?

SafetyIQ’s Lone Worker Module Module transforms traditional solutions into a streamlined, and automated approach, whilst ensuring the safety of your lone workers despite the high risk of isolation.

How do we do this?

Users create a Lone Worker Activity with Check-Ins at scheduled time intervals. There is an optional risk assessment attached to the activity that includes an automated approval process. This calculates the risk score and automatically approves low-risk results and notifies a supervisor for review in high-risk scenarios.

If approved, the user can start their lone work and they are given automatic SMS and email reminders to check-in at predetermined times to confirm their safety. If they fail to check-in, the escalation process is triggered and managers are alerted to respond.

Benefits of an Automated Approval Process:

Real-time emergency response: If a check-in is missed or an emergency arises, the system can trigger immediate notifications to designated contacts or a central monitoring station, ensuring timely assistance.
Integration with Satelite and GPS technology: With real-time location data available, managers can know the precise location of a lone worker, enabling quick response and accurate dispatch of assistance.
Data Collection and Reporting: Digital solutions provide comprehensive data collection and reporting capabilities. They capture relevant information such as check-in records, incidents, response times, and location data. This data can be used for analysis, trend identification, compliance reporting, and continuous improvement of lone worker safety programs.
Compliance and Documentation: Digital lone worker solutions help organisations meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance with lone worker safety standards. They provide a robust documentation trail of communication logs, check-in records, incident reports, and response activities. This documentation can be valuable during audits, investigations, or legal proceedings.