Work in the building and public works (BTP) sector presents many professional dangers (physical, chemical, hearing, psychological, etc.). When the work is carried out in isolation (i.e. no one is within sight or voice of the worker) the risks are not to be able to notify the distress of the employee and therefore to delay his care by the emergency services. This industry is among the most accident-prone: 56 recorded work accidents per 1,000 employees in the construction industry according to health insurance. Therefore, it is estimated that each year, 8 million working days are lost every year due to interruptions in the activity linked to professional damage. Thus, the issue of the protection of the isolated worker (PTI) in the construction industry represents a major issue in the safety and prevention of occupational risks.
of work registered for 1000 employees in the construction industry
working days are lost every year due to business interruptions related to occupational damage
Risks of isolated workers in the construction industry
Risks of exposure to dangerous substances for the body: Work in the presence of asbestos, solvents and other harmful chemicals, which may lead to dermatological or respiratory disorders.
Risks related to falls: Several tasks imply that the work takes place at height, on sometimes small platforms (scaffolding, etc.).
Exposure to hazardous noise nuisances: the practice of activity requiring heavy machinery exposes workers to high noise levels, this can cause significant damage to hearing and lead to significant health problems.
Risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with the use of heavy materials and tools.
Accidents related to the handling of dangerous machines and tools: risks of crushing, burns, cuts, etc.
Working in extreme weather conditions: heat wave, cold and heavy rains greatly increase the risk of illness and accidents.
Risks of exposure to hazardous substances
Risks related to falls
Exposure to dangerous noise nuisances
Risks of musculoskeletal disorders
Accidents related to the handling of dangerous machines and tools
Working in extreme weather conditions
What do lone worker regulations state?
French law regulates lone working and requires employers to ensure all necessary measures are taken to protect the health and safety of lone workers.
To this end, Article R4543-19 of the French Labour Code stipulates that
“every lone worker must be able to report any situation of distress and be rescued as quickly as possible.”
This requires employers to implement all necessary means to enable a swift and effective alert in the event of an accident. In case of non-compliance with the Labour Code, penalties can range from a simple fine to severe prison sentences.
Prevention also plays a crucial role in Lone Worker Protection (LWP) within the construction sector. Indeed, the Labour Code also provides for a structured approach to best prepare for incidents involving lone workers.
French law regulates lone working and requires employers to ensure all necessary measures are taken to protect the health and safety of lone workers.
To this end, Article R4543-19 of the French Labour Code stipulates that
“every lone worker must be able to report any situation of distress and be rescued as quickly as possible.”
This requires employers to implement all necessary means to enable a swift and effective alert in the event of an accident. In case of non-compliance with the Labour Code, penalties can range from a simple fine to severe prison sentences.
Prevention also plays a crucial role in Lone Worker Protection (LWP) within the construction sector. Indeed, the Labour Code also provides for a structured approach to best prepare for incidents involving lone workers.
Thus, every employer must first and foremost identify roles subject to lone working and record them in the Single Risk Assessment Document (DUERP). Subsequently, training on alert procedures and emergency actions must be provided to the employees concerned.
Preventive measures to protect
construction workers
To ensure protection that complies with current regulations, companies use different types of equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
such as helmets, gloves, or harnesses provide direct protection against the risks identified for the job. Their compliance and correct use must be regularly checked by the company.
Lone Worker Protection (LWP)/Lone Worker Alarm Device systems
are a key component in the safety of lone workers. They allow an alert to be triggered manually (via an SOS button) or automatically depending on the situation (loss of verticality, lack of movement, etc.). Some systems include geolocation features, making rescue efforts quicker and more precise.
Safety training
play a vital role in protecting lone workers in the construction industry. They help to raise employees' awareness of the specific risks associated with their work environment and teach them how to react effectively in an emergency. This training covers topics such as alert procedures, the use of LWP/Lone Worker Alarm devices, and first aid. The employer must ensure that every lone worker receives suitable initial training and the necessary information, supplemented by regular refresher courses.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Equipment such as helmets, gloves, or harnesses provides direct protection against identified workplace hazards. Their compliance and proper use must be regularly checked by the company.
Lone Worker Protection / Lone Worker Alarm Device systems
They are a key element in the safety of lone workers. They enable the triggering of a manual alert (via an SOS button) or an automatic one depending on the situation (loss of verticality, lack of movement, etc.). Some systems include geolocation features, making emergency responses faster and more precise.
Safety training
It plays an essential role in protecting lone workers in the construction industry. It helps to make employees aware of the specific risks associated with their work environment and teaches them how to react effectively in an emergency.
In this regard, the OPPBTP (the French Professional Organisation for Prevention in Construction and Public Works) offers numerous training courses specifically designed for the construction sector, which help to strengthen skills in safety and management of lone worker risks on construction sites.
Why choose Safeguard to protect lone workers in the construction industry?
What are the advantages of Sysnav's lone worker alarm device in the building sector?
- Reliable location without GPS
Ideal for complex environments (underground, buildings, enclosed construction sites), Safeguard provides a precise location, right down to the specific floor. - Works even in no-coverage areas
Thanks to LoRaWAN compatibility, alerts continue to be transmitted without a network connection. Beacons can be installed if necessary. - Continuous protection, everywhere
The system adapts to the most difficult conditions to ensure worker safety in all circumstances. - More reliable fall and immobility detection Worn at foot level, the device limits false positives and improves the detection of at-risk situations.
- Comfort and discretion
Attached to the shoe, it does not hinder movement or daily tasks.
Reliable location without GPS
Ideal for complex environments (underground, buildings, enclosed construction sites), Safeguard provides a precise location, right down to the specific floor.
Works even in no-coverage areas
Thanks to LoRaWAN compatibility, alerts continue to be transmitted without a network connection. Beacons can be installed if necessary.
Continuous protection, everywhere
The system adapts to the most difficult conditions to ensure worker safety in all circumstances.
More reliable fall and immobility detection
Worn at foot level, the device limits false positives and improves the detection of at-risk situations.
Comfort and discretion
Attached to the shoe, it does not hinder movement or daily tasks.
Sysnav’s Safeguard is a Lone Worker Alarm Device that provides solutions tailored to the specific challenges of lone working in the construction and public works sector. The device is fully autonomous; once worn, it automatically detects falls, sudden illness, and abnormal physical behaviour (immobility, loss of verticality, falls, etc.).
It is also able to precisely geolocate a lone worker in the event of an accident, regardless of their environment, enabling a rapid and effective emergency response. Safeguard therefore guarantees effective protection for your lone workers in the often complex work environments of the construction sector.
DETECT
LOCATE
ALERT
How does the Safeguard Lone Worker Alarm Device work?
The Safeguard lone worker device can precisely locate a lone worker in case of distress or an emergency, thanks to the inertial sensors it contains. In the event of an incident, autonomous algorithms send an alert to a monitoring software (mobile application or web page).
This unique technology makes it possible to provide the location of the worker in distress in any type of environment, even when GPS is unavailable. Therefore, buildings whose structure blocks GPS signals are no longer an issue for a worker equipped with the Safeguard Lone Worker Alarm Device.
How does the Safeguard Lone Worker Alarm Device work?
The Safeguard lone worker device can precisely locate a lone worker in case of distress or an emergency, thanks to the inertial sensors it contains. In the event of an incident, autonomous algorithms send an alert to a monitoring software (mobile application or web page).
This unique technology makes it possible to provide the location of the worker in distress in any type of environment, even when GPS is unavailable. Therefore, buildings whose structure blocks GPS signals are no longer an issue for a worker equipped with the Safeguard Lone Worker Alarm Device.
More information on our Lone Worker Alarm Device:
FAQ - Lone Worker Device
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to ensure the safety of lone workers in the building and construction sector?
The construction sector exposes employees to numerous physical risks (falls, electrocutions, injuries, sudden illness, etc.). When a worker is alone, these risks are heightened by the absence of witnesses or immediate assistance in the event of an accident. Protecting lone workers therefore helps to reduce the severity of incidents, speed up the response in case of a problem, and meet the employer’s legal obligations regarding health and safety at work.
Which Lone Worker Alarm Device is recommended to protect workers on a construction site?
The choice of lone worker alarm device depends on the type of construction site and the work environment (network availability, building type, presence of basements, etc.).
The most suitable models for the construction sector are:
- Devices that accurately detect falls, loss of verticality or prolonged immobility
- Solutions with reliable indoor and outdoor geolocation are essential for quickly locating a worker on a large construction site or within a building
- ATEX certified devices for use in explosive atmospheres
Is it possible to work alone on a construction site?
Yes, it is possible to work alone on a construction site, but only if the lone working situation has been assessed and is properly managed. The employer must ensure that the lone work does not present any specific hazards (work at height, electrical work, confined spaces, etc.). They must also implement effective communication and alert systems (LWP/Lone Worker Alarm Devices, regular monitoring, and check-up visits).
Can you work alone on scaffolding?
Yes, working alone on scaffolding is possible, but it is strictly regulated. It is never permitted during the assembly, dismantling or modification of the structure; these operations must be carried out by at least two qualified people.
However, a lone worker may be present on pre-assembled and secured scaffolding, provided that the task does not present any particular risk and they have effective communication and alert systems (Lone Worker Alarm Device, remote supervision, or other means).
Is it possible to work alone at height?
Working at height is, by its nature, incompatible with working alone if no alert system or means for rapid intervention is provided. For example, regulations prohibit lone working at height when personal protective equipment (such as a harness) is used.
When working at height using an aerial work platform, it is also recommended not to work alone; someone should remain on the ground to be able to lower the platform in case of a problem.
However, it may be authorised if the company guarantees the safety of the workstation, constant communication, and an immediate response in the event of an incident.
What is considered working at height?
- Work on scaffolding, roofs, platforms, and ladders
- Work on elevated machinery or structures
- Work near excavations, trenches or openings