OHS Knowledge Areas in Manufacturing

820: Working alone or in isolation

Working Alone or in Isolation refers to working in circumstances where assistance would not be readily available in the case of an emergency or in case the worker is injured or ill. This includes workers who drive alone (especially long distances), perform work in remote locations, work irregular hours, or any other form of isolation. Isolation can include visual (the worker cannot be seen) or auditory (the worker cannot be heard) isolation, even in the context of a worksite with other workers. These types of isolation can go unnoticed and create the risk of not being able to access help when needed. It is important that the OHS professional understands the limits of their own knowledge, and recognizes when it is necessary to bring in additional expertise.

In order to act as an effective resource in their workplace, the OHS professional should be familiar with:

– Legislation, regulations, guidelines, and standards that pertain to working alone or in isolation safety
– The hazards and risks associated with working alone or in isolation
– Tools, resources, and procedures that can be used to mitigate risk
– Violence prevention

Prerequisite

None

References in Other Frameworks

BCRSP: EPRF8; INSHPO: A5, B6, OHS BoK

Understand and Remember

– Relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines and standards that pertain to working alone or in isolation safely
– How to identify hazards related to working alone or in isolation in a workplace
– Effective controls for working alone or in isolation safely in the workplace
– Violence prevention

Apply and Analyze

– Identify specific hazards related to working alone or in isolation in a workplace
– Identify necessary changes to workplace procedures or controls and make recommendations
– Communicate recommendations and their rationale to workers and managers
– Maintain up-to-date knowledge of new or changing hazards related to working alone or in isolation hazards and risks
– Provide training in safe operating procedures for working alone or in isolation safety

Evaluate and Create

– Conduct a hazard and risk assessment
– Conduct a review of the workplace management processes for working alone or in isolation
– Identify areas of excellence
– Identify areas of (non)compliance
– Identify opportunities for improvement
– Conduct a training needs analysis
– Develop workplace training for safe operating procedures for working alone or in isolation
– Develop safety resources for newly introduced or previously unidentified hazards or risks related to working alone or in isolation
– Develop and maintain a safety management program for working alone or in isolation

No results found.

Related Units of Competency