A lone worker carries out tasks separate from other employees and works outside the confines of close supervision. Because no one watches over them, lone workers are more prone to dangers or risks. Lone workers who work in heavy industries like oil and gas are especially more prone to harm. Such workers must encounter dangerous materials and situations all by themselves. For good reason, OSHA created its General Duty Clause, which requires organizations to address the dangers of lone workers. Therefore, lone worker monitoring for heavy industries is vital to implement. Lone worker monitoring supports lone workers by providing them with a safety net to curb the possibility of danger.

Cutting-edge systems that heavy industry companies
should consider using for lone worker monitoring in 2022

From 2013 to 2017, 489 U.S. oil and gas extraction workers were killed on their work sites, including non-lone workers. If non-lone workers are at great risk for fatality, lone workers face greater risk. Therefore, lone worker monitoring technology demands evolution. Indeed, many new cutting-edge lone worker systems have emerged. Below are five of these life-saving technologies that heavy industries should consider using:

• Virtual reality — Virtual reality has transcended the world of teenage video game entertainment. Now, it can train lone workers. Virtual reality allows the user to participate in a computer-generated world. The lone worker can train in an artificial world that replicates the conditions they’ll be working in. Unlike training on-site, virtual reality training is both immersive and risk-free. This way, the lone worker can prepare to complete dangerous tasks by themselves before going on-site alone.

• Artificial intelligence — Just because lone workers can’t have human supervision, doesn’t mean they can’t have computer supervision. Artificial intelligence are computers that perform tasks in place of human action. For example, lone workers can be monitored by video cameras instead of in-person monitoring. They can also be monitored by machine learning. Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that can be used to calculate the potential risk of certain tasks. This way, the lone worker can be better prepared for the task ahead.

• Drones — Drones are computer devices that hover above the ground to inspect the space below. Lone workers must often inspect dangerous spaces. Instead of physically inspecting a dangerous space, the lone worker may now be able to send a drone in for inspection.

• Cloud connectivity — Cloud monitoring may be optimal for the safety of your lone workers. Cloud-based technology allows for 24/7 monitoring. It is capable of sending the data of your worker’s location and well-being in real time. In other words, it transcends outdated systems like in-person check-ins. In-person check-ins are inconvenient to both the checker and the worker. It disrupts the lone worker’s tasks and does not guarantee full-time supervision. Not only can cloud connectivity offer the lone worker full-time safety coverage, but it can also optimize their time. 

• Mobile PERS — A PERS one-button device (personal emergency response system) can reduce the time it takes for lone workers to receive help during an emergency. PERS are also reliable. They are extraordinarily easy to use. With a PERS strapped to them at all times, a lone worker in distress can simply press a button for help. 

Discover how Basin Safety can offer you lone worker monitoring
services

Basin Safety has you and your lone workers covered. We offer numerous field services and training programs, including many that can benefit your lone workers. Our services can prepare and protect your lone workers by informing them about the latest procedures, specific risks, and potential failures they may face when alone in the field.

Contact our team today for more information about how we can help you keep your lone workers safer.