The Safe Alone app includes flexible end-user settings such as activation, deactivation and customizable safety check intervals
This article was produced in partnership with CheckMate.
More people are working alone or in isolation across nearly every industry in Canada. However, regulatory requirements and rates of employer compliance have been slow to catch up. Many organizations are using outdated and costly manual safety check solutions. These methods are prone to failure and lack the thorough safety check documentation required by law. As a result, the marketplace for technological solutions has seen the arrival of several lone working apps that seek to address these problems.
Can a lone worker monitoring app meet the requirements of lone working regulations?
The short answer is yes, but not all lone worker monitoring systems are up to the task. To meet strong lone worker safety legislation at the Federal and Provincial levels, there are some key components to consider:
- An employer must identify risks and develop a working alone policy and procedure.
- An employer must use a reliable communication system for lone worker monitoring.
- An employer must provide safety checks at a frequency appropriate to the risks of the work being performed.
- Employers must be prepared to provide safety check documentation to verify their compliance with occupational health and safety act regulations.
What if your company operates in a region without strong lone working regulations? Employers should always prioritize lone worker safety; implementing a best-practices approach is recommended.
Why should employers consider using a lone working app? What features should be included?
Manual lone worker monitoring procedures have been around for many years. However, this approach is prone to consequences of error as employees forget to check-in. A lone worker monitoring app can help solve this problem by providing easy, automated safety checks.
It is important to remember that the purpose of a lone worker monitoring system is to detect possible emergencies so that help can be dispatched quickly. Without a trained emergency operator following-up to review a missed safety check alarm, opportunities to assist could be missed.
Many lone worker apps lack comprehensive reporting tools and accessible administrative controls. These features make implementation and maintenance easier. App design is important too, and a good interface will make employees more likely to use the system.
For a comprehensive checklist of lone worker system components and features, download the FREE PDF Lone Worker Monitoring System Checklist.
About Canada’s most-trusted lone worker system:
The CheckMate Working Alone monitoring system was developed as legislation across Canada became more focused on lone worker safety and monitoring. The Safe Alone app provides advantages to both employers and lone workers. The app includes flexible end-user settings such as activation, deactivation and customizable safety check intervals. Administrators receive regular usage reports and can easily access GPS mapping tools, safety check details, and manage employee scheduling through a secure web portal.
The CheckMate Working Alone monitoring system can be scaled to suit the needs of existing workplace safety requirements and procedures. CheckMate is the lone worker monitoring system of choice for government agencies, service providers, construction companies and energy utilities across North America.
