Top 6 practices for lone and at-risk worker safety programs in 2023

The way we work has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the rise of remote and lone workers. This change has brought the challenges and risks associated with working alone to the forefront of health and safety programs and personnel. 

The ability to monitor and safeguard lone workers from injury and harm has become the latest challenge. Injuries don’t just impact your business on a human level, they also significantly impact your business through reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and costly medical and legal fees. Furthermore, a lack of commitment to safety can harm an organization's reputation, while noncompliance with health and safety regulations can result in fines and even legal action. 

With 2023 already upon us, it is important for business owners and management to prioritize their lone worker safety through an effective safety program. To assist with this, we have put together a list of six safety program best practices that will keep your remote, lone and at-risk workforce safer and more productive.

Ensure EHS compliance 

It is essential that your environmental, health, and safety (EHS) solution is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations related to remote and lone working. Failure to abide by them could lead to fines, legal action, and even damage to your reputation. 

By staying up to date on all relevant legislation and requirements you will be able to effectively protect employees and mitigate any risks associated with non-compliance.

Stakeholder buy-in

Obtaining support from your main stakeholders is vital for the success and long-term sustainability of safety initiatives. Any persons or departments that have objectives around the development and success of the organization are considered key stakeholders. By involving them in the safety program development process, you can consider their concerns and gain their support for the program. Involving stakeholders will y help identify challenges or obstacles that you may have otherwise not considered. 

Effective communication of your lone worker safety program is also essential, and can be facilitated by involving stakeholders, such as senior management, in the communication strategy. This collaboration can increase key stakeholder commitment to the program and help align the organization in supporting initiatives.

Updated staff training

Building an effective safety program generally requires up-to-date staff training. Focusing on lone worker training not only reduces the risk of injuries but it also helps to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. 

Regular training and assessments help to keep employees informed about relevant safety practices and procedural updates. Training courses should be provided by a professional who specializes in adult education and effective assessment. Effective training should also always cover the complexities of safety training as it relates to your organization and industry.

Foster a safety culture

All organizations benefit from building a positive safety culture. Fostering this culture takes a dedication to continual development as well as a readiness to recognize and manage potential hazards. This may be accomplished by emphasizing the value of safety, establishing clear expectations, providing the appropriate digital tools to monitor safety, delivering ongoing training, and rewarding safe conduct.

When safety is prioritized by an entire organization, the following benefits will become clear:

• Improved efficiency: Workers are more focused and productive because they know they are working in a safe environment. 
• Increased compliance: A strong safety culture may ensure that workers follow safety policies and guidelines, reducing the likelihood of hefty fines and legal implications.
• Enhanced reputation: Positive safety cultures are typically associated with reliable and responsible businesses. This may enhance the company's reputation and increase its appeal to clients, consumers, and staff.
• Increased employee satisfaction: When employees feel that their safety is valued, they are more likely to have job satisfaction. Trust and morale among your employees will improve, which will reduce turnover rates and training costs.

Real-time monitoring

An exception-based digital solution with real-time monitoring is an important component of a lone worker safety program because it allows for immediate detection of any abnormal events. This is crucial when workers are handling heavy machinery, driving, or working in remote areas, because you need to be able to react quickly to emergencies or possible dangers.

A real-time monitoring system can help improve overall safety culture and increase employee engagement in safety efforts by providing immediate support and protection for lone workers. These systems can also improve the efficiency of response and prevention efforts by actively monitoring worker activity, condition, and location. Real-time systems ensure that there is always someone available to attend to any safety concerns or issues that may arise.

Evaluate areas for improvement through assessments

Conducting test runs and evaluation assessments allows you to identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement in your lone worker safety program and address any issues. These assessments can also identify potential hazards or unsafe conditions that may have been overlooked during the planning and development phase of the program. 

Evaluations of your safety program also help to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices. By tracking progress indicators, such as the number and severity of injuries, and regularly evaluating the program, you can confirm that it meets necessary standards and effectively protects the health and safety of your workers.

Remote, lone and at-risk worker health and safety has rapidly become a top priority for most organizations around the world. While the health and safety of employees has always been important, remote and lone workers provide a more complicated challenge. However, with 2023 upon us, there has never been a better time to invest in the latest safety solutions, promote a safety conscious culture, and reap the organization-wide benefits.

Aware360 offers solutions that prioritize the well-being of lone workers through real-time monitoring and communication. These solutions focus on the needs of individuals and help to ensure workers can get help when needed, no matter where they are located. Download our guide to lone worker solutions and discover how the latest safety solutions can help save lives.