WORKSAFE WA has issued a reminder on the dangers of working alone, following investigations into two work-related deaths in 2008.
In February 2008, a self-employed man was working alone servicing machinery on a farm when the machinery fell onto him, trapping him underneath. Although the worker had a mobile telephone, it was in his vehicle. He could not reach it, and died under the machinery and was not found until several days later.
In November 2008, a farm worker was working alone at a workplace that had a procedure for regular contact with isolated workers but no requirement to communicate with workers at the end of the working day.
The worker spoke to the farm manager at about 2pm. Some time after that, his ATV rolled over and the man sustained serious head injuries. Being unconscious, the worker was unable to use his mobile telephone. He lay on the ground until a colleague found him the next morning. He died in hospital the following day.
According to WorkSafe WA, people who are working alone must have an effective means of communication available at all times, especially if they are in isolated areas such as farms.
While mobile telephones are a means of communication, employers and workers need to take into consideration the fact that injuries could prevent their use. There is therefore a need for a procedure where there is regular contact throughout the day as well as at the end of the day.
These procedures would raise an alert if a worker failed to check in at the appointed time and contact could not be established.
A person is considered to be working alone when he or she cannot be seen or heard by another person or cannot expect to be visited by another person for some time. These include cleaners, security guards, and people working alone in remote locations.