About this Remote Worker Safety Checklist
This remote worker safety checklist can be used to assist you to assess whether the risks associated with remote work or working alone are adequately managed. While there are not any hazards that are exclusive to working remotely or in isolation, nevertheless, working alone may increase the typical risks of a job. When assessing remote work the isolated area should always be considered in the context of the risk. Before any remote or isolated work is undertaken, a risk assessment should be completed, specific to the task with consideration to:
- Work task location.
- The journey time and distance.
- Food and water supplies.
- Hygiene facilities.
- Environmental conditions.
- Scheduling of work times.
- Duration of the work task.
- Fatigue and fitness for work.
- Available means of communication.
- Suitability of a ‘buddy system’.
- Available assistance and emergency situations.
What Needs to be Considered When Doing Remote Work or Working Alone?
Remote work (or isolated work) and working alone can be described as work that is isolated from the assistance of other people because of the location, time or nature of the work. Aspects that may need to be considered include:
Risk Assessments
- Has a risk assessment been undertaken to assess issues such as fatigue, hygiene, task duration, weather, food, water and the nature of the work etc?
- Have all identified hazards and risks been eliminated or adequately controlled?
- Has the person(s) working remotely or alone been provided with adequate information, instruction and training to work safely. It is recommended that workers are not permitted to perform high-risk work’ while working alone.
Communication Methods for Remote Worker Safety
- Is there a system in place for communicating with workers when they are working remotely or alone?
- Does the working alone system ensure that workers have a means of communicating in the event of an emergency? (e.g. cell phones, radios and/or duress alarms)
- If the means of communication is vehicle-based, do the working alone procedures cover the person when they are away from the vehicle?
- Does the communication system require regular contact to be maintained with workers to ensure their safety?
- Is management aware of the location of all workers during remote work shifts?
Emergencies and Supplies for Remote Working
- Is the worker provided with emergency supplies such as adequate food, drinking water and first aid equipment?
Machinery and Equipment Supply and Use
- Are tools, machinery and equipment prepared and maintained?
- Is there a backup plan for breakdowns of machinery and equipment?
Availability and Use of this Remote Worker Safety Checklist
- This remote worker safety checklist is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Checkout for Free Now’ button.
- This document will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.