The Pros and Cons of a Manual Lone Worker Safety System
Table of Contents
The Pros and Cons of a Manual Lone Worker Safety System
What is a manual lone worker safety system?
What is an automated lone worker safety system?
Part of the bigger safety picture
Safety goals
Safety training
Safety policies
PPE
PPET
Mental health
Workplace violence
The employer’s responsibility
The Pros and Cons of a Manual Lone Worker Safety System
What kind of occupational safety system do you have in place for your lone workers? Does it require a device or app on their phone? Does it have proactive check-in notifications? Most importantly, is it done manually or on an automatic lone worker safety system?
These are all important questions to ask, but deciding if you need a manual lone worker safety system must come first because it impacts all areas of your team’s safety as well as operations and productivity.
As you read further, you will learn about the pros and cons of a manual lone worker safety system. We will also look at the benefits and costs of an automated lone worker safety system for your employees working alone.
What is a manual lone worker safety system?
Quite simply, it is an efficient system of several moving parts that all work together to protect lone and remote workers. These moving parts are limited to manual check-ins through phone, radio, text, and sometimes email, as well as spreadsheets and large whiteboards for monitors to keep track. But if you dig deeper, it is also connected by a series of protocols and safety practices, requiring employees to manually protect themselves as well as their coworkers.
Examples of such safety practices and protocols include:
Emergency communication
Develop detailed communication protocols for emergency response at your workplace. The safety protocols must include information such as emergency contacts, communication methods (email, text, phone, face-to-face), key messaging, alarms, as well as the order and circumstances in which they are used.
Check-in system
One of the most effective strategies to protect lone workers is employing a check-in system. A manual check-in system has the employee check-in with or call a monitor or emergency contact to confirm their safety. For more dangerous work situations, the lone worker can check-in at shorter intervals, which are pre-established in the safety protocols beforehand.
Clocking out
While not an exactly advanced occupational safety strategy, the traditional white board showing who is on site and who isn’t, can show the employer who has “clocked” in or out for their day or shift. For some teams, the tactility of a check-in board works better than the electronic options. This can also include a simple spreadsheet and pen at the worksite entrance or a card-swiping device and reader. You may need to try different systems to find one that works.
What are the pros of a manual lone worker safety system?
What are the benefits of a manual lone worker safety system?
As they don’t rely so much on technology, these systems can be implemented almost right away.
During power outages, a manual system will be less impacted as it is less dependent on electricity.
These systems can result in more interpersonal engagement amongst staff.
What are the cons of a manual lone worker safety system?
While there are some benefits, there are more cons for a manual lone worker safety system. These include:
These systems can require coworkers to be employed as monitors and emergency contacts.
They are vulnerable to human error and negligence.
These systems can require more of the employee’s time to practice.
Not very adaptable to changing circumstances such as new hazards or employees.
Cannot provide a wide range of other occupational safety features.
What is an automated lone worker safety system?
Now that we’ve established what a manual lone worker safety system is, let’s look at the more comprehensive automated lone worker safety system.
An automated lone worker safety system is comparable to the manual version but leverages technology to protect lone workers. This type of lone worker safety system can be employed on a separate device or on an existing device like a smartphone. An automated lone worker safety system uses those components of the manual system to produce a much more user-friendly and safer lone worker safety system.
Automated check-ins
With this system, employers automate lone worker check-ins without needing another employee to monitor vulnerable coworkers.
Lone worker safety devices
Automated lone worker safety devices can usually be used on devices such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and even landlines. In the cases of, for example, panic buttons, a separate device may be available; they are often unobtrusive and easily attachable to work clothing.
Cloud-based system
Safety systems that are cloud-based can be adapted to new circumstances easier and faster. They are also accessible from anywhere and their private data is not stored on a risky device or hardware. Because cloud-based safety systems are available to everyone, this has leveled the playing field in terms of safety for both large and small lone worker teams.
Location tracking and other features
Automated lone worker safety solutions will sometimes provide other valuable features such as satellite location tracking, detailed safety reporting, as well as two-way communication. Depending on your safety needs, research automated lone worker safety systems and find the best fit for your remote team.
Out of cell phone reception areas
There are still areas where cell service is not available and other technologies must be considered. Integration with a satellite messenger system allows the lone worker to use the automated system even when outside of cellular reception.
What are the pros of an automated lone worker safety system?
You may have guessed these already, however, the many benefits of an automated lone worker safety system must be stated.
They are highly reliable and efficient.
They are not as much at risk of human error.
They are a sound financial investment.
They can provide a wide range of safety features to further protect lone workers.
They require less time to implement and use.
That can be used on existing devices like smartphones.
They can be available 24/7, seven days a week.
They do not require the billable time of a coworker or monitor.
They may satisfy local safety legislation and safety regulations.
What are the cons of an automated lone worker safety system?
An automated lone worker safety system is very effective but not perfect. The few cons of an automated system are:
There may be some training and onboarding needed for the technology.
Its functionality is dependent on technology and user usage.
Part of the bigger safety picture
Your lone worker safety system is an important piece of the overall safety picture at your workplace. Whether it’s a manual lone worker safety system or an automated safety solution, every workplace should also have the following in place – to complement your safety system or program, providing the utmost protection for their lone workers.
Safety goals
While very simple, you would be surprised at how impactful creating a list of safety goals is. When looking at the big picture of your occupational safety, the first step should be to develop a list of safety goals first and then start to develop your lone worker safety system around those objectives.
Because you will be building around these goals, list them in a document that is flexible and can easily expand upon. These safety goals will be the skeleton of your OHS safety program and your lone worker safety system. When developing the goals, including the input of all impacted employees. This can be done discreetly through email or through engaging in brainstorming activities and safety workshops.
Safety training
Safety training can benefit your team on multiple levels. On one hand, it will prepare them for emergencies and safety issues, and on the other hand, safety training will engage the team, making them a more productive working unit. For safety training, it is important to communicate the objectives and purpose of the training to staff; it is easier to be enthusiastic when you know why you are taking this training.
Additionally, there are many great online safety training courses available for all industries. Some of these are required in certain jurisdictions across Canada and the United States.
Safety policies
To support your lone worker safety system, employers will require the necessary lone worker safety policies implemented in the workplace. When developing your safety policies, consider your safety concerns and hazards, as well as local OHS safety legislation and regulations.
An OHS policy statement may also be required, which is a document that helps the employer comply with local OHS safety laws and regulations.
PPE
Personal protective equipment or PPE may be required for the work your employees are performing. Again, consult with local safety legislation and laws to determine which PPE your team needs to wear and when they need to use it. Due to unique safety hazards and risks, lone workers may need different or additional PPE to perform their work safely.
In Canada, the different provinces and territories have different PPE requirements, especially around which PPE is covered by the employer. In the United States, “many Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards require employers to provide personal protective equipment when it is necessary to protect employees from job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. With few exceptions, OSHA requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment when it is used to comply with OSHA standards.”
PPET
PPET is the same as PPE however with “technology” added on to the end. Over the past decade, we’ve seen major advancements in safety technology and safety devices. With PPET, PPE now includes the incorporation of AI, advanced sensors like fall detection, and wearable technology, resulting in a more dynamic lone worker safety solution.
In addition to this new sub-field of work safety, GPS and satellite tracking technology have also experienced major innovations, allowing employers to find workers in distress anywhere in the world.
Mental health
A happy workforce is a productive and safe one so employers should make their employees’ mental health a priority. Lone workers, in particular, may be at more risk of mental health issues because they are isolated more often. Not only do they lack beneficial social interaction with coworkers, but they also face the dangers of not having someone to help in an emergency.
Additionally, issues that could impact their emotional health include miscommunication, unclear expectations, lack of involvement in decision making, as well as an overall feeling of not being part of the team. Employers can help their people through coverage of mental health resources and services such as therapy and counseling.
Workplace violence
If any of your employees work alone in the public, they are at risk of violence and assault. Lone workers who perform maintenance and repairs in high-traffic areas (walking and driving), are particularly at risk of physical conflict. To proactively address this significant safety hazard, employers should develop a workplace violence program to prevent a violent incidents from occurring with both members of the public and coworkers.
To address the potential for workplace violence, employers can put proactive measures in place to protect lone workers. Those working alone can be equipped with safety devices such as location tracking as well as panic buttons, which is now mandatory for many hotel workers in the United States.
The employer’s responsibility
Regardless of whether your lone worker safety system is manual or automated, the steps mentioned above must be taken to protect these people. These employees are sometimes putting themselves in harm's way to perform their jobs. It is the employer’s job to protect them to the best of their ability so that they can go home at the end of their shift.
Related article
Did you catch part 1 of this Lone Worker series: 11 Ways to Evaluate Your Lone Worker Solution? There are some great tips on how to determine if a lone worker solution is right for your team; including the solution you are currently using.