Working Alone - Off-site

Precautions should be used when workers are alone and working away from a central location. Unexpected events in unfamiliar environments can increase the risk of violence to the worker. Occupations in this category include:

• Real estate agents
• Social workers
• Inspectors
• Enforcement officers
• Home care or health care workers
• Service or repair workers
• Sales people

In many situations, the nature of the off-site work involves a lone worker. It is important to conduct a risk assessment of the activities workers will do to keep them safe, even though they are working off-site and often working alone.

• Have a check-in procedure in place. See Working Alone - General for more information.
• Provide training and education on how to avoid potentially violent situations, as well as conflict resolution and de-escalation.
• Allow the use of a "buddy system" in high-risk situations - make sure workers know this option is available to them.
• Provide information on high-risk geographical areas to all staff.
• Limit the time of day visits can be made to high-risk areas.
• Keep client records and make sure staff are aware if a client is known to be aggressive, hostile, or potentially violent. Provide support when violence is possible (such as visiting the client as a team or having a way to quickly get assistance).
• Prepare a daily work plan so everyone knows where and when workers are expected to be.
• Encourage workers to share concerns and issues so that corrective actions can be implemented.
• Provide a list of emergency contacts who are available and can provide support when needed.

Tips for working off-site safely include:

Do:

• Arrange to meet clients in a 'safe' environment where others are present, such as a restaurant, hotel lobby, or office or workplace.
• Wear comfortable, professional clothing and practical shoes that will enable you to leave quickly if necessary.
• Always wear or carry your identification badge while on the job. It will show that you are acting in an official capacity and that you are a worker doing your job.
• Carry only what is necessary. Large or numerous bags or cases are cumbersome.
• Always take your cell phone with you and keep it in a place you can access quickly. Make sure that the phone has sufficient charge.
• Avoid having new work contacts walk you to your car.
• Be alert and make mental notes of your surroundings when you arrive at a new place.
• Maintain a 'reactionary gap' between yourself and the client (e.g., out of reach of the average person's kicking distance). Increase the gap by sitting across from each other at a table, if possible.
• If you are referring to written material, bring two copies so that you can sit across from the client, not beside.
• Ask a colleague or "buddy" to come with you if something makes you feel uneasy. Tell your supervisor about any feelings of discomfort or apprehension about an upcoming meeting.
• Keep records and indicate if the client or patient is known to be aggressive, hostile, or potentially violent. Do not leave out incidents that make you feel apprehensive.
• Check in regularly with your manager or a designated person.
• Leave the situation if you feel unsafe and report your concerns to your supervisor.

Do Not:

• Do not enter any situation or location where you feel threatened or unsafe.
• Do not carry weapons of any type, including pepper spray. Weapons can be easily used against you and are illegal in some jurisdictions.

(Adapted from CCOHS Violence in the Workplace Prevention Guide)