Do you spend a significant number of hours or days working in remote locations? What does your employer do to keep you safe? Some employers of remote workers in California have safety protocols in place to protect remote workers from known hazards. However, even with such protection, with no one to have your back at your job site, a significant part of work-related accident prevention falls on your shoulders.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health holds employers responsible for the health and safety of employees, regardless of whether they work on-site or at remote locations. Safety measures your employer can take include frequent contact throughout the day by which supervisors, dispatchers, technicians, or your employer remain updated on your safety.
The TRACK mantra
It is crucial for you to recognize your own role in hazard prevention and to establish a risk assessment at the start of each shift. Following the following TRACK mantra might keep you safe:
- T — Think through the day’s tasks before you do anything else on the job site.
- R — Recognize actual and potential hazards.
- A — Assess the identified risks.
- C — Control those hazards.
- K — Keep safety as your focus point on all tasks.
Along with these things to do, there is one hazard that can creep up on you without you even noticing it. Beware of complacency. The fact that you have worked remotely for years without injuries does not mean you can drop your guards. Follow the mantra every day and avoid taking shortcuts.
How does your employer manage your safety?
The fact that you work remotely does not remove your employer’s responsibility to protect your safety and health. In fact, he or she has an even higher level of responsibility if you are alone, remote worker. The following are some of the steps your employer can take:
- Provide specific safety training that focuses on the hazards you might face at your remote work site.
- Establish a process of daily hazard assessment done and recorded on a smartphone or tablet. Sending it to your employer or supervisor each day can ensure that all parties are aware of the risks you face.
- Your employer must allow you also to report non-routine hazards, such as interference by the client. You need to know that your boss will have your back.
- Your employer must ensure that you have the necessary communication equipment and access to emergency workers immediately in the event of a workplace accident.
The nature of your tasks and the specifics of your remote location will determine additional steps to ensure your safety.
Workers’ compensation
You may know that most workplace accidents are unanticipated, and they can happen in the blink of an eye. The fact that you are an alone worker puts you at a higher risk. However, you might find comfort in knowing that the California workers’ compensation insurance program will have your back. The process could be daunting, especially if your injuries were severe. Fortunately, you can utilize the skills of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can navigate the benefits claims process on your behalf.