Working Alone in Hospitality

Working alone in the context of OHS legislation, refers to employees who work by themselves at a site where assistance is not readily available in the event of injury, illness or emergency. Working alone a hazard recognized by law. Employers must address working alone in their hazard assessment and ensure to implement health and safety measures to eliminate or control related hazards to employees. Employers must fulfill several requirements in the OHS Code if they have employees who work alone. What does readily available mean? Three factors determine whether assistance is readily available in the event of an injury, illness or emergency:

1. Awareness: Will other people who are capable of helping be aware of the employee's needs?
2. Willingness: Is it reasonable to expect that the people who are capable of helping will provide helpful assistance?
3. Timeliness: Will assistance be provided within a reasonable amount of time?

When determining the availability and amount of assistance necessary, consider:

• The risk factors of the job,
• The kind of work it is,
• How far away the job is being performed from a main worksite and
• What dangers are present where the work is being performed.

If the dangers could result in serious injury, people capable of helping should be ready and able to come right away. Working alone situations could also present additional hazards that require specific controls. For example, working alone in a hotel risks placing an employee in a vulnerable situation, which can lead to more opportunity for assault or unwelcome behaviour from other employees, service providers or even guests.

Employers with employees who work alone must conduct a hazard assessment (a systematic review of the property to identify hazards and take steps to eliminate or control them) to identify existing or potential health and safety hazards related to working alone.

Effective Communication Anyone working alone must be able to contact their employer or someone capable of helping in an emergency. Some of the key tools for effective communication include:

• Cell Phones
• Panic alarms
• 2-way radios
• Check-in schedule (visual)
• You (or your designate) must check in as appropriate. Since electronic communication isn’t a viable option in all locations, the law accepts other methods of contact, including physical visits to the employee.

When working alone in hospitality, prioritize safety above all. Make sure your employees know the hazards and follow all policies and procedures in place. Emphasize for your staff that their well-being matters most, and encourage them to always work smart and stay safe.

Resources

• TourismWorks – Hazard Assessment VILT course