Isolation (working alone)

There are no OH&S regulatory prohibitions on employees working alone. However, as working alone is considered a risk activity, the first option in the risk assessment process of hierarchy of controls is to eliminate this activity.

The duties of the various Occupational Health and Safety Acts in relation to working in isolation or working alone requires an employer to:

• Identify the hazards associated with all aspects of the employee working in isolation or working alone, 
• Assess the risks involved in these activities, and 
• Put measures in place to eliminate, minimise and control those risks associated with working in isolation or alone.

Employers are required to establish safe working conditions for lone workers as in any other working environment. If the activity cannot be eliminated, it must be effectively controlled.

The risk assessment process must include consultation with the employees affected by the working in isolation or working alone process.

Risk Assessment Factors

When assessing the working environment involving the likelihood of an employee working alone, the following should be considered:

• Can the risks of the job be adequately controlled by one person?
• Is there a risk of violence?
• Are women especially at risk if they work alone?
• Are young workers especially at risk if they work alone?
• Is the person medically fit and suitable to work alone?
• Is it appropriate for the employee to be operating equipment?
• What communication process is in place to monitor worker safety throughout the shift?
• What training is required to ensure competency in safety matters?
• How will the person be supervised?
• What happens if a person becomes ill, has an accident, or there is an emergency?