Safety Tips to Reduce Risk of Injury When Working Alone

Using a buddy system in which two workers watch each others back is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of work-related injury. But what if you are forced to work by yourself, without the convenience of other nearby workers? Working alone certainly increases the risk of injury, but there are ways to lower these risks.

Identify Hazards

The first step in working alone is to identify the potential hazards. Take a few minutes to inspect the worksite and evaluate the task, identifying hazards that could otherwise result in injury. Depending on the exact job, these hazards may or may not be obvious.

Personal Protective Equipment

The next step is to purchase the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the job. If you are performing construction work, for instance, you'll probably want a pair of steel-toed boots, impact-resistant eyewear, and gloves. Assuming you are working as an employee, your employer is legally responsible for providing you with the necessary PPE. If you are working as an independent contractor or business owner, however, purchasing PPE is your responsibility.

Check-in with Employer or Coworkers

Another helpful way to reduce the risk of injury when working alone is to check in with your employer or coworker on a regular basis. Before starting the job, you should let your employer or coworker know that you'll be checking in with him or her at various intervals throughout the day. And if they do not hear from you by this time, they should send someone to check on you. 

Take Breaks 

When you work alone, you may feel inclined to clock longer hours. There's nothing wrong with maintaining a good work ethic, but you should be aware of the dangers associated with fatigue and exhaustion. Such problems are particularly problematic during the hot spring and summer months, as outdoor workers are exposed to extreme heat and humidity. Working alone further increases the risks of fatigue and heat exhaustion since there's no one to watch your back. By taking regular breaks, however, you can reduce the risk of injury when working alone.

High-Risk Jobs for Solo Workers 

Of course, certain jobs have a higher risk of injury for solo workers than others. Here's a short list of some of the most dangerous jobs for solo workers:

• Worked on elevated surfaces.
• Working in confined spaces (e.g. crawlspaces, grain bins, elevators).
• Working with or around live electricity.
• Working with toxic or otherwise hazardous substances.
• Working with gas or air pressure.
• Working on roads and highways.