Before You Start
    Before You Go In
        Be Aware

You Are Your Own First Line Of Defence.


Working alone requires awareness and judgement.
As work progresses, things change in that work space.
Accidents come from the unexpected, the unknown and the unaware.

Those working alone maintain a sense of how what is going on around them has a personal impact, how their work is progressing and the potential of impacts from equipment and people around them - now and in the near future.

The worker has no one else to immediately cover their back, so needs confidence about where they are, what is happening around them and what exactly they need to do.

Before starting...
There are 4 scans of the situation, typically used by professionals, that offer help in any situation.
- Scan for 'resources at hand', like chairs, light switches and other things which could help you.
- Scan for 'pulses - busy areas', by looking up and down rather than just across, for indicators from crowds, lighting, etc.
- Scan for 'out of place indicators' like liquid spills, a person who does not fit, hanging wires, etc.
- Scan the site to 'visualize a path out', getting around, obstacles and using alternate routes.

Working alone does not mean they are the only worker. In fact, it is very likely getting that job done is what others are depending on. Focusing on exactly what needs to be done, ahead of time, helps the worker get it done, without distraction from exposing themselves to other tasks with unknown risks coming from unanticipated sources.

Be aware...
- Know your outside contact(s) before starting.
- Know who to expect and what to expect at the work site.
- Visualize what you will do once you go in.
- Visualize how you would get away if there was a fire.
- Visualize what you could do to buy some time to think.
- Visualize what you could do to get control back.
- Do you feel comfortable about going in and completing the task you are there for?
- Have you taken care of your needs for water, food, toilet so they don't get in the way?
- Will you be what the site expects and the site resources be adequate to get that job done?
- Know when and how you will be followed up with.
- Know how you could contact others if help is needed.

Once at the site...
- Look around and identify what is out of place. For example, a new machinery or hole in the floor.
- Be aware of the uninvited guest, unexpected behavior and body language. For example, a person comes in wearing a burka excited about their problems. Remember, over half of communications are body language and your feelings.
- Have a plan in place that allows you to contact your support.

You can protect yourself.
While there to get the job done, you also have personal responsibility to avoid dangers and uncomfortable situations.
Move yourself and others to somewhere else, at first sign of danger
Trust your intuition...
Remain as calm as possible...
Stay in the area's your expected to be working in...