Lone Worker Industries

A Lone worker can be found in a wide range of industries. Do you know if your employees are protected from an incident or hazard during their shift? 

The Blackline Safety lone worker monitoring solutions are one of the most affordable and the most effective, safety monitoring solutions available. They will optimise any organisation’s capability through a timely, pinpoint emergency response during an incident, improving an employee’s outcome is the true bottom line.

Oil & Gas

Lone workers are not just prone to risks outdoors—indoor workspaces also challenge the safety of employees. From instrumentation technologists to reclamation technicians, a laboratory can pose just as many risks as a job site or plant. Other roles such as operators and heavy-duty mechanics face their share of challenges throughout their worksite too.

 

Utilities

Natural gas, electric, water, and wastewater utilities pose many risks for your work-alone employees. Electrical engineers and maintenance personnel often work alone for extended periods of time at treatment plants, outdoor pumps, and high-voltage electrical sites that can be hazardous. Employees work with machinery, chemicals, toxic gases, and other dangers on a daily basis.

 

Manufacturing

From food production to automotive fabrication, this industry incorporates a diverse spectrum of manufacturers including Biotech and pharma. Engineers, operators, assemblers, and compounders face the dangers of working with and near heavy-duty machinery, conveyor belts combustible liquids, and spray booths. Warehouses and production plants are noisy and fast-paced, with many moving parts. 

Transportation & Logistics

Class A, yard jockey drivers and crude oil haulers transport goods in double-wides, semis, and tanker trucks. These lone workers are often on the road for long periods of time, and with unreliable road conditions and potential fatigue, these workers are susceptible to accidents, health events, and interaction with the public. Within shipping and receiving facilities, heavy items and moving forklifts pose risks to warehouse personnel and supervisors. 

 

Security

For security personnel night shifts increase workplace hazards and associated risks as they can have little to no contact with their co-workers or shift managers throughout the course of their shift. They can become prime targets for thieves and vandals because they take advantage of the darkness of the night to carry out their activities. 

 

Healthcare 

In an industry devoted to healing others and saving lives, doctors, nurses, paramedics, porters, and administrators face daily challenges working in hospitals, clinics, research labs, and psychiatric centers. From routine check-ups to surgery, these lone workers also engage with patients who behave erratically and visitors who are not able to cope with the challenges of daily life. Paramedics are often on the road and can encounter dangerous situations. 

Government

Parks and recreation, education, environment, public safety, transportation, natural resources, utilities, and healthcare all work under the umbrella of government. From parking inspectors and bus drivers to fire and police departments, government workers risk their lives every day to save others. Performing the duties of each layer of government presents everyday risks to all employees, including interaction with members of the public.

 

Construction & Engineering

Many employees work beyond the drafting table. Structural engineers, site superintendents, foremen, and all trades face many risks in construction zones. Whether high in the sky on scaffolding, excavating, or moving heavy slabs, sometimes a hard hat just isn’t enough. A Lone worker can face being struck by falling objects, slips, trips and falls, crush injuries, dust, and chemical inhalation every day. 

 

Natural Resources

This vast industry covers earth sciences and includes forestry, minerals, metals, mining, and energy. Geologists, land surveyors, inspectors, loggers, and miners often work in remote areas of the world where satellite coverage is the only way to communicate. From rock drills to mineral labs, explosions, barricades, and moving objects can leave lone workers in need of help. 

 

Pharmaceutical & Biotech

Chemists, factory line staff, and distributors in this industry often work in laboratories and manufacturing facilities that pose chemical dangers, store radioactive materials, or handle biological agents. Lab coats, safety glasses, respirator hoods, and other protective gear cannot always help your lone workers when an incident occurs. 

Lone Worker Monitoring

Connected Safety for Lone Workers with Gas Detector range by Blackline Safety in Australia 

So what does Connected Safety mean?

Connected safety refers to using interconnected digital systems and technologies to enhance safety and security. This concept applies in various contexts, such as smart homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

For example, in a smart home, connected safety might involve integrating smoke detectors, security cameras, and alarm systems with your smartphone, allowing you to monitor and respond to potential hazards remotely. Whereas in the workplace, connected safety could mean using wearable devices to track employees' health and safety, ensuring timely responses to emergencies.

Essentially, connected safety leverages the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and real-time data to create safer environments and improve the overall quality of life.

What are lone workers?

Working alone or in an isolated area draws risks that can create many serious and fatal situations. While it is regulated to monitor employees who work remotely there is also a corporate responsibility from each company to look after their workforce. A lone worker is an umbrella term used for a variety of workers.