Lone Working in Utilities: A Guide

What is Lone Working in Utilities?

Lone working in the utilities refers to situations where employees do the job on their own, without direct supervision or support. This can involve a maintenance worker repairing a machine in a remote area, or someone monitoring equipment during an overnight shift. Working alone in utilities presents its own unique challenges, like feeling isolated or not having anyone close by to help if something goes wrong. Recognizing these risks and putting the right safety measures in place is crucial—making sure lone workers remain protected, supported, and connected, even while working alone.

Importance of Lone Working Safety in Utilities

It’s important to consider the safety of lone workers in the utilities sector because the jobs within it often come with serious risks.Utility workers may find themselves in remote areas, confined spaces, up high, or around live electricity and hazardous materials.

This means for utility workers, when no one else is around, even a simple slip, trip, or fall can quickly turn into a major emergency. Lone workers in utilities may face unpredictable emergencies that may escalate from a simple problem to a fatality, that is why having the right risk management plan is important, in any sector for that matter.

Lone Working Risks in Utilities

Common Injuries in Lone Working in Utilities

Utility workers already face unique challenges due to the nature of their job, add in the fact that they have to do it working alone—the danger gets doubled. Whether they’re dealing with slippery working areas, live electric lines, hazardous chemicals, or tight or remote spaces, the lack of immediate backup can quickly turn a routine task into a dangerous situation.

Additionally, lone utility workers may face threats like aggression from the public or struggle to call for help in areas with poor cell coverage. All these challenges make them more vulnerable to serious injuries or even fatalities. That’s why it’s so important for lone workers and their employers to have strong safety protocols, proper training, accessible alerting devices, and reliable ways to stay in touch.

Common Injuries and Hazards for Lone Utility Workers

Lone workers in the utilities sector often face a range of risks and injuries, made more dangerous by the fact that there’s usually no one around to help right away. Some of the most common hazards they encounter include the following:

• Confined space accidents: Due to collapse, suffocation, or entrapment in sewers, tanks, or vaults when alone

• Environmental hazards: Due to exposure to extreme weather, dehydration, or animal attacks outdoors

• Heavy equipment accidents: Due to being struck by or being caught in machinery or vehicles, especially when in use with no supervision

• Electrical injuries: Due to electrocution from high-voltage equipment or power lines, especially with faulty gear

• Violence and harassment: Due to assault or threats when entering customer properties, especially when unaccompanied

• Exposure to dangerous substances: Due to chemical exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, or fires

• Fatigue and inadequate breaks: Due to possible  overexertion or missed breaks

Using Technology for Lone Utility Worker Safety

Technology significantly enhances lone working safety in the utilities sector by providing faster access and responses that allows lone workers to be contacted immediately. Key solutions include:

• Automated safety check-ins: Prompt lone workers to check in at regular intervals using apps and systems so that if a check-in is missed, alerts are triggered to notify supervisors.

• Panic Buttons: Allow lone workers to discreetly or openly signal for help during emergencies through wearable devices or mobile apps.

• GPS and location tracking: Help employers locate workers instantly, even in remote or low-signal areas through real-time GPS and satellite tracking.

• Fall and motion detection: Detect falls or lack of movement through features like a man down system that alerts supervisors when a worker is immobile.

• Internet-of-Things (IoT) and AI Integration: Monitor environmental hazards, predict risks, and automate emergency protocols using connected sensors and AI to enhance safety.