Let's look at the role of the buddy system within the occupational safety context. This safety strategy is typically used in circumstances where an employee is paired with another employee to increase both people’s safety while at work. It is a safety measure that is intended to make the safety of a coworker the responsibility of an employee and vice versa, making sure they never work alone.

Whether it’s walking home after dark or working with the public, having someone you trust nearby can help keep you safe. Unfortunately, this can also lead to an overreliance on the buddy system when people are creating emergency response procedures. Here are some of the common pitfalls that people fall into when they rely too heavily on the buddy system in the workplace.