Safety Tips for People Who Work Alone
March 29, 2018
For some people, working alone offers a certain degree of freedom, flexibility, and the ability to focus without being interrupted by other workers. Social workers, realtors, and home healthcare workers are just a few examples of employees who spend the majority of their work day away from an office.
When workers feel safe, they are likely to be more productive and less likely to seek employment elsewhere. According to statistics, when employees believe they are safe at work, it can drastically improve job satisfaction and productivity. Employers can provide peace of mind to their workers by putting the proper tools and resources in place that promote a sense of security and well-being, even when they are alone.
Unfortunately, working alone has its drawbacks. For example, if an employee is exposed to a potentially dangerous or unsafe situation, he or she may be at greater risk of injury if there is no one else to provide assistance or call for help. Many organizations have taken proactive steps to help improve the safety conditions for their remote employees.
Lone Worker Safety Measures
Fortunately, technology is making this much easier. Lone workers no longer have to feel alone or in danger, just because their job requires them to be away from the security of an office.
The following safety measures can ensure that lone workers are safe and protected at all times:
- Signal for Help: Smartphone apps allow lone workers to notify employers that help is required. Once the app signals the employer, authorities are dispatched to the worker’s location, which is monitored by GPS. Information about the employee will be sent to the dispatcher using previously-programmed data, so the worker who is being threatened does not have to provide any personal information that the attacker may overhear.
- Audible Alarms: If an employee is threatened or attacked, he or she can sound an audible alarm, letting the attacker know that they are not alone. This may stall or prevent the attacker from causing harm. Some smartphone apps provide alarms that do not require unlocking the phone or pressing a button, which can take too much time.
- Visual Deterrent: Oftentimes, simply having a system in place that notifies a potential attacker that law enforcement is on call can de-escalate the situation. For example, a brightly-colored tether that is attached to a mobile phone lets the attacker know that police will arrive within moments of the call. This may prevent an attack if the aggressor thinks that police are already on the alert and ready to act.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Injured Workers
If you have been injured on the job, you are urged to contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. at your earliest convenience. We will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum financial benefits that you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, do not hesitate to call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent injured workers throughout Maryland.
