Working alone

In principle the term “working alone” does not sound threatening. However, it is important to consider the potential danger differently. There are types of work where it does not matter that workers are active on their own and there is no-one in the vicinity who could help. However, that is not always the case.

For tasks where there is an increased fall and safety risk, e.g. on roofs, facades, PV installation at height, wind turbines, or also in shafts and confined spaces, working alone is often forbidden – despite the presence of fall protection systems. In such situations accident victims clearly need to be rescued quickly and given medical treatment, because it can be a matter of life and death. And for this, at least one person is required who can quickly initiate the rescue.

5 problems created by working alone

The risk from solo working locations without suitable protective measures must not be underestimated. Fearless personalities help only to a certain extent. The following examples demonstrate the necessity of safety regulations when a person works alone.

• Insufficient accident support: In the event of an accident or an emergency situation, there is no person to provide immediate support. Severe injuries can arise if the injured person is alone for an extended period.
• Limited rescue options: Without support, it can be difficult to escape from a dangerous situation or to wait for assistance.
• Insufficient monitoring: A second person can indicate potential dangers. It often happens that risks are overlooked, or that the working conditions worsen unexpectedly.
• Restrictions on certain tasks: Such as when carrying heavy loads or installing large components, someone working alone trips over obstacles.
• Psychological load: Solo working locations in dangerous surroundings can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety, because there are no colleagues for support or communication. This applies particularly in situations where the work is performed under time pressure, or complex tasks have to be performed.

Levels of risk and examples of working alone

As an activity, working alone is assessed using different levels of risk. For example, the Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (DGUV [German Social Accident Insurance]) distinguishes three categories:

• Low risk: In this case it is assumed that only slight injuries to the person working alone are expected while performing the tasks. For example, office work.
• Increased risk: This category includes tasks and working locations where the affected workers may suffer significant injuries and may themselves no longer be fully capable of taking action. More example, working on machinery in a carpentry company. In this case, delayed provision of assistance (and therefore working alone) may still be permissible.
• Critical risk (in Austria “high danger”): Working alone is classified as critical when in an emergency the worker could suffer severe injuries and potentially also lose consciousness. This can be caused by a fall from a great height. Here, the maximum time interval before the necessary assistance is provided amounts to just a few minutes, and therefore working alone is forbidden!

However, when assessing the actual working location, not only the levels of risk and the potential extent of damage (Switzerland – Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsanstalt/SUVA [Swiss Accident Insurance Agency]) play a fundamental role, but so does the likelihood that an emergency can arise, possibly with severe injuries. The evaluation and specific risk assessment of working alone is therefore essential. For further information about this, see also the wiki post Risk assessment.

In dangerous working locations always work in pairs

It should be remembered that working together with other people is a mental support – especially in exposed working locations where there is a high safety or fall risk. This applies particularly to tasks performed on the building shell and infrastructure, but also to activities in manufacturing industry, such as large technological plants.

In dangerous working locations like these, professional, certified fall protection systems are legally prescribed. Because of the high level of risk, at least two people always work together for reasons of safety – working alone is per se forbidden! Both people are permanently protected by means of personal protective equipment against falls from a height (anti-fall PPE),in order that assistance can be provided immediately in an emergency.