Safe Work Method Statement for Lone Worker and Remote Site Operations on Construction Sites

Remote Isolated Work

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Remote and isolated work on construction sites involves lone workers operating away from main work areas. This SWMS covers communication protocols, emergency response procedures, and lone worker safety measures. The document addresses Australian WHS requirements for isolated work and worker welfare.

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Why this SWMS matters

Isolated workers face increased risks from delayed emergency response and communication failures. Construction sites often require work in remote areas, necessitating specific safety measures for lone workers.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Remote Isolated Work Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

High

Inability to obtain immediate assistance when isolated.

High

Loss of communication due to equipment or signal issues.

Medium

Vulnerability to criminal activity when working alone.

Medium

Exposure to weather, wildlife, or unstable terrain.

Medium

Reduced alertness and delayed health problem recognition.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Require teams for high-risk tasks instead of lone workers.

Implementation

Identify high-risk tasks, schedule with backup, use buddy systems.

Provide reliable communication for isolated workers.

Implementation

Satellite phones, emergency call boxes, GPS tracking, radios.

Supply emergency and survival equipment.

Implementation

First aid kits, emergency shelters, AEDs, signaling devices.

Establish regular check-in and emergency protocols.

Implementation

Mandatory check-ins every 2 hours, emergency plans, training.

Provide personal emergency and communication devices.

Implementation

Locator beacons, mobile phones, radios, whistles, first aid kits.

Personal protective equipment

Requirement: GPS-enabled emergency beacon

When:

Requirement: Fully charged with emergency capability

When:

Requirement: Licensed radio with extended range

When:

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • Verify communication equipment
  • Check emergency supplies
  • Confirm check-in procedures
  • Assess environmental conditions

During work

  • Conduct regular check-ins
  • Monitor equipment functionality
  • Check emergency equipment access
  • Monitor health and conditions

After work

  • Conduct final check-in
  • Verify safe return
  • Maintain emergency equipment
  • Document incidents

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready

Risk Assessment and Planning

Assess risks and develop plans for isolated work.

Safety considerations

Never work without communication and emergency plans

Equipment and Communication Setup

Set up communication and emergency equipment.

Safety considerations

Test all equipment thoroughly

Work Execution with Monitoring

Perform work while maintaining communication.

Safety considerations

Stop work if communication lost

Emergency Response Procedures

Follow procedures for isolated emergencies.

Safety considerations

Prioritize safety and clear communication

Completion and Debrief

Complete work and conduct safety debrief.

Safety considerations

Never leave without check-out

Frequently asked questions

How often should isolated workers check in?

At least every 2 hours, more frequently for high-risk work.

What if communication is lost?

Activate emergency beacon, move to better location, await rescue.

Can work be done at night?

Avoid when possible; requires additional lighting and security.

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Why It Matters

Construction workers often perform tasks in remote or isolated locations away from immediate supervision and assistance. This isolation increases risks of accidents, medical emergencies, or security incidents without timely response. Lone workers face challenges in obtaining help, communicating distress, or managing hazardous situations. This SWMS ensures comprehensive safety measures including communication systems, emergency protocols, and regular check-in procedures to protect isolated workers.

Hazard Identification

Remote and isolated work presents several hazards requiring specialized control measures.

Control Measures

Control measures follow the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination and engineering solutions before administrative and PPE measures.

PPE Requirements

Personal protective equipment is critical for remote and isolated work safety.

Inspections & Checks

Regular inspections and checks are essential for maintaining isolated work safety.

Step-by-Step Work Procedure

Follow these systematic procedures for remote and isolated work operations.

FAQ

Common questions about remote and isolated work safety.

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Remote Isolated Work SWMS Sample

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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