Remote or isolated work can create health and safety risks because workers may not be able to access timely assistance in an emergency.
Remote or isolated work is work carried out isolated from the assistance of other people because of location, time or the nature of work. It is not defined by how long a worker is alone, but whether assistance can be readily accessed if required.
Examples of remote work include:
- farm or station work on large rural properties located far from towns or emergency services
- forest operations in bushland with limited access to assistance
- government property checks in remote or sparsely populated areas
- exploration drilling work involving travel between remote sites
- geology field work involving travel between remote locations
- surveyors working in regional or remote locations.
A person is considered isolated at work when they are unable to access assistance. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022, assistance includes rescue, medical help and the attendance of emergency service workers or mine emergency response teams.
Examples of isolated workers include:
- community nurses conducting home visits
- taxi or ride share drivers
- shop attendants working alone late at night
- petrol station attendants.
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure their workers undertaking remote or isolated work have access to an effective communication system that provides them with a reliable way to reach assistance. This includes:
- mobile phones with reception
- personal duress alarms
- two-way radios
- satellite communication devices (e.g. satellite phones)
- personal location or emergency beacons.
Some industries may require additional equipment or enhanced communication capabilities, including the agricultural and pastoral operations, forestry, commercial fishing and transport.
Increased risk factors
The risks associated with remote or isolated work increases when workers are exposed to hazards and conditions that make it harder to get timely assistance. Risks may increase when workers:
- spend extended periods away from help
- work in remote locations with limited communication coverage
- interact with people whose behaviours may be unpredictable, threatening or violent
- working in remote bush areas where snakes are present
- work at night or outside normal working hours
- undertake hazardous manual tasks
- work with hazardous chemicals, plant or equipment
- experience fatigue from long working hours or extended periods of driving
- work alone with limited supervision.
A worker’s skills, experience, competency and personal circumstances may also influence how safely they can manage these risks.
Workers providing services in private homes may be exposed to additional hazards which can vary widely depending on the client, household environment and location. They may encounter clients experiencing mental health issues or unwilling to participate and behave inappropriately, including threatening or unpredictable behaviour. Additional hazards include weapons present in the home, restricted or unsafe access to the property, aggressive animals and slip, trip or fall hazards within the home environment.
Managing the risks
PCBUs must identify the hazards, assess the risks and implement appropriate controls. They must also provide workers with adequate information, instruction and training to ensure remote or isolated work is carried out safely.
Using checklists and templates during planning can help identify hazards, develop appropriate control measures, minimise risk and support a consistent approach to managing risks.
Control measures include:
- effective communication systems
- regular check-in procedures
- journey management plans
- emergency response procedures
- suitable supervision arrangements
- safe work procedures
- access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Preparing workers for remote or isolated work
When planning remote or isolated work, a PCBU should consider each worker's competency, experience and personal circumstances when determining whether the work can be carried out safely.
Workers should understand the nature of the work and the associated hazards and risks before commencing work. They should be capable of carrying out work safely and following workplace procedures.
Communication devices, vehicles and alarm systems should be maintained and fit for purpose to support the safe performance of remote or isolated work.
Home visit services
Before home visit services begin, an initial visit should be conducted to identify hazards and determine appropriate control measures. As a matter of best practice, home visit risk assessments should be carried out by two or more workers. A PCBU must also ensure that workers:
- follow safe work procedures
- carry out work in a manner consistent with the instruction and training provided
- know how to respond to emergencies
- have access to appropriate support.
Effective supervision helps ensure workers take reasonable care of their own health and safety, especially if carrying out remote or isolated work.