Working Alone or in Isolation in Quebec: Communication and Emergency Plan
Assess tasks, establish check-ins and ensure real help can reach an isolated worker.
Assess the task and location
Identify fall, violence, machinery, confined-space, hazardous-product, cold, heat, driving, wildlife and coverage risks. Check whether the task is prohibited or requires supervision, a permit, another worker or a special procedure.
Set check-ins
Define departure, arrival and contact times, the person receiving the signal and the escalation after a missed check-in. Higher risk requires closer checks. A worker must be able to report a change of location or task.
Prepare emergency access
Provide the address, coordinates, route, gates, codes, keys and known hazards. Test batteries, radio, satellite phone or alarm equipment as appropriate. First-aid supplies and protective equipment must be accessible and suitable.
When the control fails
If coverage disappears, the worker cannot be located or the task changes, stop and notify the responsible person instead of continuing without the planned control. Document tests, incidents, missed contacts and corrections to improve the plan.
Working alone or in isolation — CNESST (French)