Pennsylvania employees likely know that workplace safety depends on being alert and watching out not just for themselves, but also for their coworkers. However, when an employee is alone, working in an isolated or out-of-the way location, there are certain concerns that arise, since they do not have a coworker who can look out for them in case of an injury or other emergency.
One major concern for employers is being able to get help to the isolated employee on time. As a way to deal with this, many companies have invested in training and safety devices for their employees who need to work alone as tools in how to handle injuries and emergencies. They have also designed plans that detail how to keep track of their lone workers and how to react during emergencies.
Safety guidelines have been established by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to deal with the lone worker issue. It is recommended that clear limits should be established about what kind of work is permitted when someone is working alone, that lone workers should be trained in how to deal with emergency situations, that supervisors visit lone workers periodically and that there should be an action plan in case of emergencies.
Companies need to be clear about how to promote and protect the safety of lone workers. Following guidelines such as the ones detailed above and continuing to review and update the procedures regarding lone workers as the company and the environment grows and evolves is necessary to ensure that lone workers can complete their jobs and remain safe. Despite all precautions, however, workplace accidents will continue to occur. A work accident victim may want to obtain the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney when preparing a claim for benefits.