8 Personal Safety Tips — When Working Alone

Working alone can be both liberating and challenging, depending on the situation that you’re in. It can be great to have control over your schedule and work environment, but it can also come with risks. Whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, an employee working remotely or simply working late in the office, you need to be mindful of your personal safety. Here are 8 safety tips for staying safe, when working alone.

Assess the risks

Before you start working alone, take the time to assess the risks to yourself. Consider the potential dangers in your work environment, such as poor lighting, unsecured doors or windows, and isolated locations. Identify the hazards associated with your work tasks, such as working with hazardous materials, using machinery or tools, and handling cash. Once you have identified the risks, take steps to eliminate or mitigate them.

Have a safety plan

Create a safety plan that outlines the steps you will take in case of an emergency. Write down the critical contact information of family members, your boss, colleagues, and security guard, as it might not be the Emergency Services you want to contact during an incident.

Don’t just have it on your mobile phone either.

Have a backup plan for communication. Always have a battery pack/charge for your phone. But, don’t just rely on your mobile phone. Locate other phones. Know how to raise an alarm differently if needed; such as a personal alarm, whistle, or shout. Most importantly make sure someone knows your schedule and location when you are working alone, and check in regularly.

Stay connected

One of the most significant risks of working alone is isolation. Stay connected to friends, family, and colleagues to combat loneliness and stay informed about your surroundings. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and use communication tools like email, messaging, and video calls to stay connected.

Set boundaries

When working alone, it can be tempting to work all hours of the day and night. However, this can lead to burnout and increase the risk of accidents or mistakes. Set clear boundaries for your workday, including regular breaks and a set end time. Stick to these boundaries and prioritize self-care.

Keep your work area secure

Secure your work area by locking doors and windows, installing security cameras or an alarm system, and keeping valuables out of sight. Use a password-protected computer and encrypt sensitive information. If you work in a public place like a coffee shop, always keep your laptop and other equipment within sight (and never connect to unsecured networks without using a VPN).

Be aware of your surroundings

When working alone, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you and what is happening. Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts, and leave the area immediately.

Learn self-defence

If you may be working alone regularly in public or areas with uncontrolled access, consider learning self-defence or martial arts. This can help give you confidence but you also protect yourself in case of an attack. Remember, the best defence is always prevention, so take steps to avoid dangerous situations whenever possible.

Stay healthy

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for personal safety when working alone. Get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and prioritize sleep. Take breaks throughout the day to stretch and move your body. Practice stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing to reduce anxiety and improve your focus.

In conclusion, personal safety is essential when working alone. Assess the risks, create a safety plan, stay connected, set boundaries, keep your work area secure, be aware of your surroundings, learn self-defence, and stay healthy. By following these tips, you can work alone safely and with confidence. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step towards success.

REMEMBER: You are always responsible for your own personal safety, BUT if you are a lone working employee, your organisation has legal duty of care to carry out a risk assessment and implement a plan. Then regularly review to ensure that it is still valid.

MyTeamSafe®, an award-winning lone-worker App & proud supporter of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust