by Elyssa Rose, MS, LAT, ATC

Recognizing hazards isn’t just about what’s around us. It’s about understanding how our environments, our preparedness, and our mindset affect our safety. When working alone, we become our own first and best line of defense. Having a plan doesn’t only ensure safety, it increases your confidence, control, and state of readiness.

Taking proactive measures will help us remain safe and perform at our best when working alone. In the same way a physical warm-up before a shift ensures our body is ready, a mental warm-up ensures we’re ready to work alone, mindful of environmental challenges and prepared to respond appropriately to sudden issues.

Stay Sharp & Stay Safe

Some hazards are easier to spot when others are around, but when working alone, the responsibility to recognize and respond to dangers falls entirely on us. The absence of immediate coworker assistance demands our readiness for preventing occurrences and effectively controlling emergency situations.

Assess Your Environment

Before the beginning of each shift, devote a brief period to examining our environment. We should ask ourselves:

• Are there environmental hazards I need to be aware of? Hot or cold temperatures, poor lighting, and/or unmarked walking areas increase risk.
• Is emergency communication within reach? Radios, phones, emergency contacts, or other tools should be easily accessible.
• Do I have the right safety equipment? First aid materials and necessary PPE should be readily available.

Check In & Communicate

Despite working by ourselves, we shouldn’t think we’re disconnected. Establish regular check-ins with a supervisor or coworker to ensure someone always knows our status. Stay reachable through radios, phones, and other communication tools and follow emergency protocols so others can quickly reach us in case of an issue.

Prepare For The Unexpected

Environmental hazards remain unpredictable, but prevention favors the prepared. Recognizing hazards means anticipating potential worst-case, as well.

• Know your Emergency Action Plan forextreme weather conditions (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38).
• Keep essential supplies like water, protective gear, and a flashlight, following NIOSH safety standards.
• Review fire evacuation routes and safety zones (OSHA Fire Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.157).

Mindset Matters

A prepared mindset keeps us calm and collected in high-risk situations. Visualize potential challenges and rehearse responses to build confidence and improve decision-making under pressure.

Take Breaks & Stay Alert

Fatigue can increase the risk of accidents. Schedule short breaks to:

• Reset our mind and reassess our environment.
• Hydrate and refuel to maintain focus.
• Stretch and move to avoid stiffness or strain especially when working in different environments such as hot or cold temperatures.

Stay prepared. Stay safe. Work Right!

Elyssa Rose, MS, LAT, ATC || Elyssa holds a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Pacific University and previously worked as a football athletic trainer at Portland State University. Passionate about health and performance, one of her favorite sayings is, “movement is medicine!” Outside of work, she enjoys staying active at the gym and spending quality time with her soon-to-be-husband and two fur babies.

---

Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!