Working alone toolbox talk

What it is

Working without anyone nearby to see a problem, raise the alarm or help in an emergency, including in remote or isolated locations.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Avoid lone work for high-risk tasks, and pair workers up for work such as confined space entry, work at height and work near water.
2. Assess each remote or isolated site for hazards, and confirm the work can be done safely without help close by.
3. Set a check-in schedule with a named contact, and have a procedure for acting straight away if a check-in is missed.
4. Provide a communication method that works at the location, such as a satellite phone, radio or personal locator beacon, and test it before starting.
5. Provide personal alarms or man-down devices where workers cannot easily reach a phone, and train them to use them.
6. Make sure the worker has first aid supplies, knows the emergency plan and can give their location to emergency services.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with working alone:

• Working aloneUse a buddy system and a call-in protocol when working aloneFrom Security Guard - Construction
• PlanningAvoid working alone and arrange bite and sting first aidFrom Bites and Stings Prevention and Treatment

Questions for the crew

1. Where could working alone come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Working alone?
3. The most effective control is: “Avoid lone work for high-risk tasks, and pair workers up for work such as confined space entry, work at height and work near water”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for working alone are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of working alone, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?