Working Alone or in Isolation
Background
It is encouraged that staff should work in teams or minimally with another worker in a buddy system. It is inevitable that during the course of performing duties on behalf of or related to the University, there are occasions that would necessitate workers to be working alone or in isolation. Under these conditions, workers will benefit by regularly having their well being monitored at predetermined intervals in the event a quick response and assistance is required.
Regulation
Scope
All individuals who work alone or in isolation whose well-being may be compromised by factors such as health (ie: unexpected heart attack), hazard exposure (ie: chemical burn, toxic gas release, microbial exposure) and/or physical trauma (ie: result of a slip and fall being knocked unconscious, injuries from machinery).
Risk Assessment
Supervisors must review historical data of injuries and incidents and conduct a detail risk assessment in consultation with the worker(s).Risk Assessment for Working Alone form can be found here.
Authorization
Prior to initiating working alone or in isolation, the supervisor must perform a detailed risk assessment in consultation with the worker(s) and submit a safe work alone plan to HSE for review and approval.
