Working alone can be required in the mining industry, however, the isolation exposes these workers to unique risks. This article explores strategies for safeguarding your lone workers.
The importance of ensuring safety of lone workers
Lone worker safety directly impacts the wellbeing of employees and the operational integrity of mining companies. Ensuring a safe working environment demonstrates employers value their workforce, as well as reducing downtime, minimising financial losses and protecting the business’ reputation.
Best practices for lone worker safety
There are a few things you can do to boost the safety of the lone workers in your workforce.
Tip one: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments
Risk assessments form the foundation of lone worker safety. Employers should:
- identify specific hazards associated with lone worker roles such as environmental dangers or the use of complex machinery
- evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential incidents to prioritise mitigation strategies effectively
- implement control measures to address any physical or environmental hazards
- regularly review and update risk assessments to reflect changes in work conditions or tasks.
Tip two: Establish robust communication protocols
Regular communication ensures lone workers remain connected and supported throughout their shifts. Effective strategies include:
- scheduled check-ins: supervisors should check in with lone workers at predetermined intervals to confirm their safety
- real-time monitoring systems: GPS-enabled devices allow employers to track worker locations and respond promptly in emergencies
- emergency response plans: clearly define steps to take if communication is lost or if a worker signals distress
- two-way communication devices: equip lone workers with radios, mobile phones or apps that enable instant contact.
Tip three: Provide comprehensive training
Well-trained workers are more likely to recognise and address potential risks. Training should include:
- recognising and avoiding hazards: such as unstable ground and how to respond appropriately
- emergency protocols: familiarise workers with evacuation routes, first aid procedures and the use of safety equipment
- ongoing refresher training: keep workers informed about new safety measures and evolving risks.
Tip four: Promote a culture of safety
Establishing a safety-first culture ensures lone workers feel supported and prioritised. Key elements include:
- regular safety meetings: use to address worker concerns, review safety incidents and refine protocols
- rncouraging reporting: create an open environment where workers feel comfortable reporting hazards
- recognition and rewards: acknowledge workers who consistently adhere to safety practices.
Tip five: Equip workers with the right technology
Safety technology has become indispensable for lone worker protection. Equip employees with:
- geofencing: implements virtual boundaries to monitor worker movements and ensure they remain within safe zones
- Biometrics monitoring: use wearable devices to track workers’ physical conditions such as heart rate or signs of fatigue
- duress and panic alarms: provide workers with devices allowing them to quickly alert supervisors or emergency services in dangerous situations
- emergency detection: deploy devices capable of detecting incidents which can send alerts for immediate assistance
- location tracking: equip lone workers with GPS-enabled devices to ensure their real-time location is always known.
Tip six: Leverage data analytics for continuous improvement
Data analytics offers powerful insights to enhance lone worker safety. Key actions include:
- incident tracking and analysis: use digital systems to log incidents, report hazards and identify incident patterns
- monitoring worker behaviour: wearable devices and safety apps can track activity levels, location and physiological data, allowing for proactive interventions
- environmental monitoring: sensors that detect environmental conditions provide real-time data that can trigger for unsafe work conditions
- performance of safety measures: evaluate the effectiveness of current safety tools and protocols by reviewing data on how often they’re used and the outcomes of their implementation
- predictive analytics: advanced analytics tools can predict potential hazards based on historical data, enabling businesses to pre-emptively address issues.
Ideagen Damstra supports lone workers
Ideagen Damstra’s products help keep lone workers connected and protected. Contact the team on 1300 722 801 to find out more.
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