Watchmen: how do you choose them? What are their responsibilities?

What is a watchman?

In the context of lone workers, a "watchman" holds a crucial position as a specifically designated trusted person responsible for receiving and responding to alerts issued by a lone worker in case of need.

The relationship between the lone worker and their watchman is based on trust and preparation. The lone worker can trigger an alert in the event of an emergency, health problem, or any circumstance requiring intervention. The watchman, as a trusted person, must be trained to handle various emergency scenarios, coordinate assistance if necessary, and provide clear guidance to the lone worker to minimize risks.

How to Choose Watchmen for Lone Workers

Choosing watchmen for lone workers is of paramount importance to ensure the safety and well-being of employees working in isolated environments. First and foremost, it is essential to prioritize individuals with key skills such as attentive observation, responsiveness to emergency situations, and excellent communication abilities. Previous experience in similar situations can also be a determining factor. Continuous training is another crucial aspect; watchmen must be constantly updated on safety procedures and new technologies.

The ability to manage stress to make quick decisions is also a critical skill for handling critical situations. Watchmen must also demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, adopting a proactive approach to anticipate potential risks. Close collaboration with lone workers to understand the specifics of their work environment also contributes to a wise selection of watchmen.

In summary, choosing watchmen involves a careful evaluation of specific skills, experience, training, and the ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of lone workers.

What Are the Responsibilities of Watchmen?

The employer is legally responsible for the health and safety of their employees within the company. In case of an accident, their responsibility is automatically engaged unless a delegation of authority has been legally granted to an employee.

It is important to highlight that violations of health and safety rules concern exclusively the employer or their delegate, who can be fined.

In this context, only employees with a valid delegation of authority can have their responsibility engaged instead of the employers, provided that their personal fault led to the violation of one of these obligations. In other words, employees without a delegation of authority cannot have their criminal liability called into question.

How to Ensure Optimal Protection for Lone Workers

Ensuring optimal protection for lone workers requires a proactive and integrated approach focused on several key aspects of safety. First, implementing advanced communication devices, such as dedicated mobile applications or tracking devices, allows for maintaining a constant connection with lone workers. These technologies facilitate the rapid transmission of alerts in case of emergency, thus enabling quick intervention. Regular training for workers on safety procedures and the proper use of communication tools is equally essential.

In parallel, the careful selection of competent watchmen is crucial. They must be trained to handle emergency situations, ensure proactive monitoring, and coordinate rescue efforts effectively when needed. It is also important to regularly check the proper functioning of the device that sends alerts in case of need. The contact details of the watchmen should be updated and verified to ensure the alert is received correctly. Regular simulation exercises can be conducted to ensure the system is operational and that the teams take the appropriate actions.

 ⏳ IN BRIEF ⌛

→ Watchmen are essential actors in the reception and management of alerts for lone workers, which is why it is crucial to choose competent individuals with key qualities such as attention, responsiveness, and excellent communication. Continuous training is also indispensable to enable watchmen to manage stress and make informed decisions.

→ From a legal standpoint, the responsibility for employee safety lies with the employer and not the designated watchmen, unless they have signed a delegation of authority.

→ Adopting a proactive approach is crucial to ensuring optimal protection for lone workers, particularly through the implementation of advanced communication devices. It is imperative to ensure that the chosen system is suitable for all situations and correctly configured, so that all designated individuals receive and properly handle alerts.

With Beepiz, you can select watchmen according to the schedules of your lone workers. In other words, for each lone working situation—whether it is a weekend on-call duty, a staggered schedule, or summer holidays—you can choose your watchmen based on the days and hours. A unique feature on the market for even greater security!