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I N D U S T R I A L H Y G I E N E
physical (extreme temperatures and noise, ergonomic risks), bio-
logical (viruses, harmful bacteria, mold) ergonomic (musculoskel-
etal injuries, sprains), and psychosocial (isolation, loneliness and
stress, bullying and harassment).
In diff erent industries, lone workers experience hazards with
unique risks and dangers—this can also vary from jobsite to job-
site. Th ere are industry-specifi c lone worker hazards that have
been identifi ed including:
■ Water workers are exposed to waterborne pathogens and
biological hazards, confi ned space risks, and high-risk chemical
handling.
■ Utility workers must work around electrical and fi re hazards,
potential gas leaks, and perform tasks from dangerous heights.
■ Manufacturing workers are at risk of dangerous levels of
noise exposure, toxic chemical and gas inhalation, and repetitive
motion injuries and musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).
■ Home healthcare workers must face the possibility of vio-
lence and harassment, exposure to infectious diseases, and ergo-
nomic injuries and sprains.
Applying Industrial Hygiene to Lone Worker Safety
Th ese industry-specifi c hazards are examples of occupational
challenges that are amplifi ed when the person is working alone.
Hazards and accident scenarios that would appear straightforward
with a coworker present, are much more complex when the lone
worker does not have another person present to help. Applying and
prioritizing industrial hygiene’s four principles will help managers
and lone workers address this increased risk as well as eff ectively
manage and mitigate any existing safety hazards.
Anticipation and Recognition of Hazards
For lone and remote workers, preparation is key. To be fully pre-
pared, all existing occupational hazards must be identifi ed and doc-
umented. Th is can be accomplished through thorough job hazard
analyses and hazard assessments3 of the work environments, includ-
ing operations and processes, tasks, equipment at tools, as well as the
lone workers themselves such as health issues. For example, chlorine
gas exposure would be measured for water treatment workers or for
home healthcare workers, accessibility to emergency communica-
tion. Additionally, look at past work safety incidents and history and
relevant safety data to better anticipate hazards.
Evaluation of Risks
Th e risk levels of all safety hazards are increased when an employee
is working alone. It is important to measure the lone workers’ risk
for the hazards they need to deal with while performing their jobs.
Th is requires ongoing, regular hazard assessments of the work-
place, noting any changes in safety or circumstances as well as real-
time monitoring technology to watch risk factors such as changes
in air quality, temperature, radiation levels, and dangerous levels of
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