Working Alone Safety
Holman is committed to providing a safe work environment for all team members on occasions they are working alone. Holman will ensure that team members are trained in and follow this safe work procedure and encourage team members to approach their Manager and HSC with any suggestions for improvement or questions.
Roles and Responsibilities
Manager
| Step 1: Identify Risk | Identify all situations in which a team member must work alone, in collaboration with impacted team member and a HSC member Working alone means to work in circumstances where assistance would not be readily available to the team member a) in case of an emergency or b) in the case the team member is injured or ill. |
| Step 2: Implement a Plan | Implement a plan with appropriate safety measures including, communication protocols for check-ins, tailored for each team member’s situation to eliminate or minimize the identified risks. Consider any pre-existing medical conditions of the team member working alone that may increase their risk. If reasonable, ensure the team member who is assigned to work alone is first aid certified. |
| Step 3: Provide training, review policies and procedures | Train team members in ways to work alone safely and ensure that team members comply with safe work procedures. Investigate any incidents thoroughly to identify ways of preventing future problems. Ensure assessments, plans, and investigation reports are available to a provincial inspector upon request. |
Potential Hazards
| Potential Hazards | Risk Level |
| Sharp points / pinch points (tools, blades, saws) | Medium |
| Surfaces causing falls | Low |
| Equipment operation | Medium |
| Materials handling, lifting | Medium |
| Dust and respiration | Low |
| Chemical exposure | Low/Medium |
| Compressed air / gas | Low/Medium |
| Violence from robbery or attempted robbery | Low |
| Harassment from emotional clients | Low |
Team Member Resources
| Risk control devices, personal protective equipment, and other safety considerations | Training / Reference Info |
| – Practice telephone system and personal cell phone check in procedure – Use non-slip safety shoes – Surveillance camera – Alarm system | – Work Procedures and Master Machinery Manual – WHMIS Training MSDS – First Aid and Eye Wash Station Locations – Emergency Evacuation Procedures |
Additional Steps to Complete Tasks Safely
- Work with a locked door.
- Keep outside areas well lit.
- Only allow access to clients/vendors that have called ahead and stated why they are there.
- Remove dangling jewellery before reporting to work.
- Keep a personal cell phone on your person at all times.