Working in remote areas is more challenging than in a typical workplace. Employees may face harsh weather conditions. Plus, being in a far-off location means they have limited access to essential stores and establishments like hospitals and other health facilities.
Remote worksites are difficult to manage. Each worker relies on the employer and managers for guidance, especially regarding their health and safety. These workplace practices and protocols are necessary to keep the workplace productive while also keeping everyone safe.
1. Build A Safe Camp
Building a safe camp for the workers is the top priority for companies operating in remote areas like those in the oil and mining industries. Most sites are in the desert or in the far north where the temperature drops to negative.
So, before proceeding to man camp construction, these factors should be considered:
Structurally Sound
A camp should be a structurally sound building. It should be durable and flexible enough to withstand harsh weather conditions and other outdoor elements to keep the workers safe. One of the industry-grade man camps is a fabric structure made of tensile fabric as membrane and steel framing.
Proper Insulation
In a remote worksite with extreme temperatures, proper insulation is a must. The workers should stay safe and warm inside their quarters to help maintain their health. Excessive heat or cold can affect their immune system and may lead to severe health issues.
Ample Lighting
Any worksite should have ample lighting. A lack of visibility compromises safety and may lead to injury-causing accidents. Therefore, every corner of the site, including the workers’ camp, should always be well-lit at all times.
Dust Filters
Dust filters are essential, especially for worksites in the desert. Fabric buildings for man camps are equipped with an HVAC system to provide clean and safe air for on-site workers. Choosing this setup is imperative for the employees’ health.
Separate Rooms By Gender
Aside from environmental concerns, social factors should also be considered. It’s best to assign separate rooms or camps for male and female workers to minimize conflicts.
2. Implement Strict Wearing Of PPE
All the workers must wear their prescribed personal protective equipment at all times. Most industries working in remote locations involve handling hazardous materials and heavy equipment. They need to be equipped with an extra layer of protection to prevent accidents.
The most basic set of PPE in remote locations are hard hats, safety shoes, and reflective vests. These should be required even for those walking around, especially on a construction site. However, the type of PPE required depends on the materials worker’s handle. For instance, some may need chemical-resistant overalls and ventilator masks when working with harmful chemicals.
3. Put Up Barricades And Signs
Work in remote locations for oil and mining involves excavations and debris around the site. Therefore, it’s a must to put up barricades and signs wherever necessary. This can save a life.
Moreover, the barricades and signs serve as a guide for workers navigating a massive worksite. The employees may take weeks to memorize the site’s layout. Putting up guides promotes safety and productivity since they can work and move more efficiently.
4. Perform Regular Sanitation
Maintaining cleanliness is one of the keys to keeping workers safe and healthy in the workplace. Regular sanitation is a must, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas, to prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses that can cause illnesses.
Performing regular sanitation is standard practice, especially for remote worksites. Disease prevention is always the best solution to keep everyone healthy and productive. When everyone stays fit, the job gets done more efficiently.
5. Conduct Training For Emergency Response
Being in a remote location requires self-sufficiency and alertness. Since the weather and the environment are unpredictable, one safety essential is preparing everyone for emergency response.
Emergency response training and drills help maintain each worker’s health and safety. These sessions should include evacuation plans during disasters and primary measures to prevent common on-site accidents. Equipping everyone can help reduce safety risks during unexpected circumstances.
6. Provide A First Aid Clinic On-Site
Remote worksites are located far away from hospitals. During health emergencies, the company should be able to provide first aid care to save someone’s life. Having a team of health workers on site is standard to respond to their health concerns whenever necessary.
Having a first-aid clinic is required for most workplaces. In remote sites, it’s absolutely necessary. Since it can take time until you can transfer an injured employee to a hospital, the company should be able to provide primary care first. Aside from being in a far-off location, the weather may also hinder an ambulance from coming or leaving the worksite.
Conclusion
Everyone’s health and safety should always be a priority, no matter where the workplace is. Workers who feel safe and secure on their worksites fuel productivity, which helps obtain the industry’s goals. Therefore, keeping them comfortable and well taken care of in a remote site is a must.