As an employer, it is your duty to ensure your employees stay safe on the job. For staff that work outdoors at night, additional precautions need to be taken. Working outside after dark comes with unique risks that require specific safety measures. Follow these tips to keep your night crew protected.
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Promote Visibility
Make sure employees wear reflective vests, headlamps, or other PPE gear to enhance their visibility after sunset. Provide high-visibility clothing and require it be worn properly. You may also install extra lighting in walkways or work areas used at night. The more visible staff are, the lower their risk of being struck by vehicles or encountering dangerous people.
Utilise the Buddy System
Encourage workers to stay in pairs or teams when completing outdoor tasks at night. Two people can look out for each other and get help more easily if issues arise. Avoid having employees work alone in isolated spaces after dark when possible. If a lone worker is unavoidable, take extra precautions like frequent check-ins.
Enhance Communication
Require employees to check in when arriving and leaving work sites at night. Make sure they inform someone of their schedules and planned routes. Establish emergency contact protocols so workers can call for assistance if needed. Provide mobile phones or radios and have emergency numbers pre-programmed.
Increase Vigilance
Train night staff to stay alert and attentive to their surroundings at all times. Caution them to avoid risky areas, watch for suspicious activity, and report anything concerning. Remind them to minimise distractions and avoid headphone use when working alone. Situational awareness is key to safety.
Trust Instincts
Let employees know that avoiding a bad situation is always the best policy. Instruct them to leave any area or situation that makes them uncomfortable and immediately report concerns. Make it clear that safety takes priority over finishing a task or being polite. Empower them to trust their gut if something seems wrong.
Provide Safety Gear
Equip employees with gear like whistles, pepper spray, or personal alarms. These items can help them navigate safely at night, call for assistance, or defend themselves if threatened.
Train for Emergencies
Practice responding to various emergency scenarios at night through safety drills. Train workers in first aid, self-defence, and other skills to boost confidence responding to crises. Make emergency response plans that account for reduced visibility and colder temperatures after sunset.
Promote Healthy Schedules
Schedule night shifts thoughtfully to allow for proper sleep and avoid exhaustion. Ensure adequate staffing at night to prevent overwork. Consider offering transport so employees don’t walk to cars or transit alone after dark. Providing healthy foods can also help boost nighttime alertness.
Continuously Improve
Regularly check-in with night workers about safety concerns. Conduct incident reviews to identify hazards or needed policy changes. Updated training and procedures as risks evolve. By continuously improving safety protocols, you build a culture that values employee protection.
Working at night has inherent risks, but employers can take steps to minimise dangers through preparation, communication, and vigilance. Prioritise safety by equipping and empowering your team to make smart decisions after dark. With caution and care, outdoor work can be accomplished safely well after sunset.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
