FAQs on work in isolation or remote locations
Does Comcare produce any guidance relating to employees working in isolation and/or remote locations?
Comcare does not currently provide any specific information or guidance material relating to workers performing duties in isolation or in remote locations. However, under section 16 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act) the employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health and safety at work of the employer's employees. Probably the best way to ensure that all reasonably practicable steps have been taken is to apply a consultative risk management process to identify, assess and control the risks involved with working alone or in remote areas.
Employing a risk management approach is probably the best way to achieve positive health and safety outcomes for this issue. Risk assessments should consider factors such as access to medical aid, personal security issues (e.g. working alone or in a high risk remote location), emergency response times, communication options (e.g. two way radios or mobile phones) and psychosocial risks.
Control measures could include, but are not limited to, establishing a support network using local options, providing extra first aid equipment and training e.g. additional supplies for first aid kits, oxygen and automatic external defribulators (AEDs), enhanced physical security options and effective communication that may involve regular check in calls.
For information on risk management processes refer to Comcare's publication Identifying hazards in the workplace (OHS10).