You are currently viewing our Australian site. Click here to visit our US site.
WorkSafe Guardian | Lone Worker Safety App
Book a Demo
Client Login
WorkSafe Guardian | Lone Worker Safety App

Lone Worker Legislation in Australia

Table of Contents

WorkSafe Guardian App | Lone Worker App | Lone Worker Phone App | Personal Alarm | Personal Alarm App | Duress App | Keeping employees safe at work

Lone working can enhance productivity and flexibility for many Australian businesses, but it also exposes lone workers to numerous risks and hazards. Without anyone to assist them in emergencies, lone workers can face serious harm from falls, attacks, or medical issues. In fact, Safe Work Australia reported that in 2021, 130,195 serious work health and safety claims were made, with 87% of serious claims being for injuries. 

To keep lone workers safe, it’s essential to understand the Work Health and Safety legislation in Australia and the primary risks and hazards associated with lone working. This article aims to provide valuable insights on protecting lone workers and complying with the relevant Lone Worker legislation in Australia.

WHS, WHS Strategy, WHS culture, Health and Safety

Who is considered a Lone Worker?

According to Safe Work Australia, anyone carrying out work activities without direct support or supervision from supervisors or colleagues is considered a lone worker. Essentially, if an employee cannot be seen or heard by a colleague, they are considered to be working alone, whether for the entire or part of their workday. This could range from healthcare workers conducting home visits to truck drivers on long-distance routes and there are many other professions where lone working is common.

Lone workers are exposed to various hazards and risks that may affect their safety and health. These hazards may include:

  • Physical violence and verbal abuse from clients, customers, or members of the public.
  • Slip, trip, and fall hazards, such as spills, cables, and uneven surfaces.
  • Working at heights, which can increase the risk of falls and serious injuries.
  • Operating machinery, tools, and equipment that require specialized skills and training.
  • Working with hazardous substances, which can cause burns, poisoning, or other health effects.
  • Engaging in physically demanding tasks, such as heavy lifting or repetitive motions
  • Working around vehicles or in traffic, which can increase the risk of accidents, collisions, or injuries.
  • Driving for work purposes, which may expose workers to road hazards, fatigue, and stress.

Lone workers face greater risks and hazards due to their isolation, and without adequate safety tools, these risks can escalate. It is the responsibility of employers to recognise and safeguard their lone workers, ensuring a secure work environment, minimising risks, and adhering to relevant legislation.

Comply with Lone Worker Legislation with the WorkSafe Guardian Lone Worker Safety App

Lone Worker Legislation in Australia

In Australia, lone workers and all employees are subject to the same Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, known as the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth). This legislation provides guidance to employers about acceptable Work Health and Safety practices in Australia. However, it is important to understand that each state and territory in Australia has individual WHS laws and regulatory enforcement.

To find out more about the relevant Work Health and Safety Laws that are relevant to your state, please click here.

While there are variations between states, every territory in Australia is required to comply with either the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH) or the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS).

Understand your requirements as an employer.

What are my requirements as an employer of Lone Workers?

Lone workers may be isolated from assistance due to their location, work schedule, or the nature of their tasks. As an employer in Australia, the model WHS Regulations (regulation 48) specifically addresses remote or isolated work.

This includes the requirement for employers to:

  • Manage the health and safety risks to lone workers, activities could include:
    • Conducting a risk assessment
    • Identifying and assessing the risks or hazards
    • Implementing controls for risk mitigation
    • Continual maintenance of the controls
  • Have effective communication systems in place to communicate with lone workers.
    • Create and promote a Lone Worker Safety Policy
    • Introduce Lone Worker Safety Tools

Complete a risk assessment using our Lone Worker Rapid Risk Assessment.

Managing Lone Worker Safety with an App.

Managing Lone Worker Safety with an App

To keep in touch with lone workers and provide them with means to raise an alarm (if necessary), it is important to establish regular communication channels and procedures alongside appropriate lone worker safety tools.

One effective solution to help safeguard lone workers is to utilise a lone worker safety app, such as the WorkSafe Guardian App. WSG enables employers to protect their employees while they work, travel, or meet with clients in remote locations.

The WorkSafe Guardian App includes various features such as a safety and medical alert button and welfare check-ins. Alerts are managed by an external 24/7 monitoring service. In the event of an emergency, such as an accident or a failed check-in during a lone working session, the app can help locate the employee and quickly provide assistance.

Encouraging lone workers to use the WorkSafe Guardian App daily can help employees feel safe and secure in the workplace. Utilising lone worker apps, like the WorkSafe Guardian App, demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling an employer’s duty of care and reinforces a reputation as a responsible employer.

Through the implementation of thorough health and safety protocols and the use of a reliable lone worker app, employers can effectively reduce the risks and hazards that lone workers encounter daily. This not only enhances the safety and well-being of employees, but also communicates a positive message that their employer prioritises their welfare.

 Learn more about the WorkSafe Guardian Solution here.

The above is WorkSafe Guardian’s commentary and by no means is it an interpretation of the law. We strongly suggest that if the information contained in this article has raised concerns or sparked interest that you seek legal and professional assistance.

Like this article? Share it!

Facebook
LinkedIn

Read more articles

Be Smart and Safe this Festive Season

Be Smart and WorkSafe this Festive Season

Be Smart and WorkSafe this Festive Season Table of Contents Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered! The holiday season is approaching and many of your employees will ask for some well-deserved time off.  This means there will be less staff around.  So, how can you ensure those remaining staff will be smart and worksafe this festive season? Increased hours, less staff available and isolated working conditions.  All mean your employees may be exposed to more high-risk situations.  And knowing how to handle these circumstances and the tools available is the first step.  The safety and well-being of employees is crucial. WSG are here to help!  We’ve prepared a “Safety Checklist” to help manage this time in the safest way possible. Aggression and Violence in the Workplace We know that violence and aggressive incidents in the workplace are not new.  But Coronavirus has sparked a dramatic rise in the rate

Read More »
90 Second Lone and Remote Worker Risk Assessment, lone worker risk assessment, remote worker risk assessment, risk assessment, rapid risk assessment

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment Table of Contents WSG Rapid Risk Assessment Why don’t more companies perform lone worker risk assessments? Risk assessments are never easy. You have to take into account factors including the type of work, the location, and who will perform it. Even if you identify these, how do you judge the potential risks, what scale are they measured against? Many companies don’t know where to start, especially if they employ lone workers. To be a lone worker it is not a prerequisite that there are no other people around. Lone workers are not isolated; they work without direct supervision. According to Comcare’s Guide to Remote or Isolated Work, a lone worker is:  “those who work by themselves and/or work in the community with only limited support arrangements, which therefore expose them to risk by being isolated from the usual backup support. This is the case whether they regularly work

Read More »
Lone Worker Policy, Lone Worker Safety, Lone Worker App, Lone Worker, Policy, Procedure, Lone Worker Procedure, Lone Worker Safety Policy, WorkSafe Guardian, WSG App

Lone Worker Policy

Explore the essence of a Lone Worker Policy, ensuring well-being for those working alone. Aligned with WHS regulations, it defines roles, mitigates risks, and promotes a secure work environment. Empower lone workers, meet legal standards, and cultivate a culture of safety.

Read More »
WorkSafe Guardian | Lone Worker Safety App

WorkSafe Guardian is an enterprise app-based lone worker safety solution, purpose-built to support at-risk employees. Our 24/7 professional response to safety and medical alerts, plus welfare check-ins, empowers employees to be proactive about their safety. Reduce your organisation's risk with WorkSafe Guardian.

Product
Quick Links
Industries
Contact
Download the App
Apple Google-play
Follow WSG
Facebook-f Linkedin-in Twitter

© 2024 WorkSafe Guardian. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy.

Book a Demo

WorkSafe Guardian | Lone Worker App | Man Down App | Contact WorkSafe Guardian to Keep Your Employees Safe