TITLE GENERAL HAZARD CATEGORY Biological Chemical Ergonomic Physical Psychosocial APPLICATION PROTECTIVE MECHANISMS SELECTION AND USE SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY WORKER RESPONSIBILITY SAFE WORK PRACTICE Working Alone To ensure that workers working alone can do so safely. HAZARD CONTROL Engineering Administrative PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Other A worker is considered to be working alone if the worker works by himself or herself at a work site in circumstances where assistance is not readily available when needed. Safe work procedure Training Site Security Communication Two communication options are available See Appendix 1: Option 1 Buddy System Preferred Option Option 2 CBE Working Alone Telephone Number 403-250-0966 (Available 24/7) Conduct a hazard assessment to identify existing or potential safety hazards in the workplace associated with working alone. Implement safety measures to eliminate or reduce the risk to workers from the identified hazards Ensure workers have an effective way of communicating with their immediate supervisor or another designated person in case of an emergency situation. Ensure that workers are trained and educated so they can perform their job safely. Document all aspects of the system for controlling risks for employees working alone. Participate in the working alone risk assessment and risk management decisions with your supervisor. Follow safe work practices outlined in the safe work procedures. Maintain regular communication as directed by supervisors. REFERENCES Alberta OH&S Code, Part 28, WORKING ALONE Alberta OH&S Code, Part 40, UTILITY WORKERS- ELECTRICAL Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code, Section 4 * The information presented in this publication is intended for general use and may not apply to every circumstance. It is not a definitive guide to government regulations and does not relieve persons using this publication from their responsibilities under applicable legislation. 1/6 Safety Advisory Services SWP-Part 28-1 - 1 -
Appendix 1 PURPOSE Calgary Board of Education Working Alone Communication Procedures [ School or Worksite Name ] The purpose of this procedure is to support employees of [ School or Worksite Name ] that must work alone. This is in compliance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Working Alone requirements. DEFINITION To work alone means to work alone at a work site in the circumstances where assistance is not readily available in the event of an injury, illness or emergency. If you must work late or come to the school/facility evenings, weekends, etc. you must follow either of these procedures. OPTION 1. Buddy System (Preferred) PROCEDURE Employees that are considered to be Working Alone must comply with the following procedures, prior to Working Alone. 1. Sign out school/worksite keys with the [principal or supervisor] and indicate your buddy plans in the key sign out book. 2. Sign in at the front door 3. Call the buddy [teacher or employee] when you arrive at the building and how long you will be there. 4. Tell them where you will be specifically working within the building and how long you will be there. 2/6 Safety Advisory Services SWP-Part 28-1 - 2 -
5. You have 2 hour hours to call back your buddy. Should you be working alone longer than 2 hours, then prior to the 2 hours expiring you will need to call the buddy to renew your working alone time. 6. The alternate buddy plan is to have someone in the building with you that is over 16 and can call 9-911 if there is an emergency situation. This must be indicated at the time you sign out the school keys. 7. Hand in the school keys to the principal the next school day. EMERGENCY RESPONSE BUDDY SYSTEM Should a [ School or Worksite Name ] employee not make the second call to the buddy within 2 hour time frame, your buddy will attempt to contact the employee on their landline, cell phone and/or pager. If the Buddy cannot contact the employee after calling them at their designated number, the buddy will wait ten [10] minutes for the employee to respond. If there is no response within 10 minutes the buddy will assume there is an emergency and contact the contracted Garda Security at 403 517 5899 and inform them of the employee s name and last known location. The Security Company will then immediately go to the last known location of the employee and investigate. There will be a charge for the security call-out. OPTION 2. CBE Working Alone telephone number 403 250 0966 (Available 24/7) PROCEDURE Employees that are considered to be Working Alone must comply with the following procedures, prior to Working Alone 1. Sign out school/worksite keys with the principal and indicate your buddy plans in the key sign out book. 2. Sign in at the front door 3. Call the CBE Working Alone telephone number 403 250 0966. 4. Tell the live operator you will be working alone and provide the following information: First Name/ Last Name Occupation (i.e. teacher) School [ School Name/Department ] Current Location [ School Name ] note other employee groups use this service, but there location may be another worksite. Supervisor [Principal or supervisor] A call back number that where you can be reached. 3/6 Safety Advisory Services SWP-Part 28-1 - 3 -
Approximate time you will be checking out. You will be advised to call back within 2 hours otherwise you will be called You must call back at the intervals and when you are checking out leaving the worksite. Otherwise there will be an emergency response. The above cycle will occur for each call to the CBE Working Alone telephone number. 4. Hand in the school keys to the principal the next school day. EMERGENCY RESPONSE CBE WORKING ALONE NUMBER 403-250-0966 Should a [ School Name ] employee not make the second call to the Buddy within the 2 hour time frame, the CBE Working Alone contracted service will attempt to contact the employee on their land-line, cell phone and/or pager. If the CBE Working Alone contracted service cannot contact the employee after calling them at their designated number, the CBE Working Alone contracted service will wait ten [10] minutes for the employee to respond. If there is no response within 10 minutes the CBE Working Alone contracted service will assume there is an emergency and contact the contracted Garda Security at 403 517 5899 and inform them of the employee s name and last known location. The Security Company will then immediately go to the last known location of the employee and investigate. There will be a charge for the security call-out. RESPONSIBILITIES Employee/Staff: The employee is responsible for ensuring that they know, understands, and follows these procedures when Working Alone. Volunteers: Are not permitted to be on CBE property without CBE supervision, therefore these options for working alone are not applicable. Principal/Supervisor: Is responsible for ensuring all [ School or Worksite Name ] Employees know, understand, and follow these procedures. Security Company: Is responsible for conducting a thorough investigation and submitting written reports as required. REFERENCE: Calgary Board of Education [ School or Worksite] Working Alone Procedure Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Adopted Code, Part 28 4/6 Safety Advisory Services SWP-Part 28-1 - 4 -
Employee Acknowledgement I have read and understand the above Working Alone Communication Procedures: Print Name/Signature Date Print Name/Signature Date 5/6 Safety Advisory Services SWP-Part 28-1 - 5 -
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