If an employee is isolated from other persons because of the time, location or nature of the work then the employer must ensure that —

• there is a means of communication available which will enable the employee to call for help in the event of an emergency; and

• there is a procedure for regular contact to be made with the employee and the employee is trained in the procedure.

A satellite phone together with a planned call strategy can assist to meet those responsibilities.  Some satellite phones are now available with tracking functionality and SOS emergency alert  functionality. Please contact us to discuss the many options available to ensure peace of mind when your employees are working remotely or alone.

The following links and documents outline state by state the ascociated regulations and acts governing isolated worker and remote working conditions. 
(Content supplied by Intechnology Distribution Pty Ltd)

Most states including Victoria, South Australia, Northern Teritory and Western Australia all have clear regulations in regards to what is required by an employer to ensure a worker's safety.

Other states without specific legislation requirements still require employers to carry out risk assessment when dealing with remote work locations and lone workers to ensure adequate compliance with their states duty of care responsibilities.

Acording to any States duty of care principles the employer is responsible for the health and safety of their staff at all times. When choosing to send your most valuable assets into a potentially dangerous remote site or isolated working condition, providing them with a means of communicating or raising a distress signal is a small price to pay to ensure your employee's safety and company's OH&S compliance.

WA

Western Australia Worksafe
WA working alone guideline
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 *refer to section 3.3

QLD

Workplace health and safety Qld
Queensland Workcover
Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008

VIC

Working alone 
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 *refer to section 5.3.18

SA

South Australia Safework 
Safework keeping remote staff safe
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995 *refer to section 2.14.1

NT

Northern Teritory Worksafe
Workplace Health and Safety Act 2007 *refer to page 6

TAS

Tasmania working alone guideline
Tasmania workcover
Tasmania OH&S legislation

NSW

Duty of care principle 
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001

Working alone in Australia facts