OHS Management System: Risk Management Pages in this section:
	> Introduction to Risk Management > Aggression and Violence > Amenities > Contractor Management > Electrical Safety > Emergency Procedures > First Aid > Hazardous Substances > Manual Handling > Office Ergonomics	> Pets > Plant and Equipment Maintenance > Purchasing and Hiring of Equipment > Safe Work Procedures > Slips > Smoking Clients > Warm Water Systems > Working Alone > Working at Night

Working at Night

Introduction
What are the risks?
How can I reduce risks?
 

Working at night can provide particular challenges for employers in providing a safe working environment.

What are the risks?

Some of the hazards of working at night include:

• Darkness can provide cover for potential attackers.
• Often lower staffing levels at night causing
  - decreased capacity to deal with emergencies in a safe manner,
  - increased vulnerability to robbery and other forms of outsider attack.
• Access and egress – staff are more vulnerable to attack and accident on the journey.
• As Doctor Karl informs us, Circadian Rhythms mean that our body expects to be asleep so we may experience decreased alertness and responsiveness.

How can I reduce risks?

• Consider the physical environment.
• Consider security.
• Consider cash handling practices.
• Training.

Consider the physical environment:

• Ensure good lighting at entrances.
• Consider the use of movement sensor lighting in the grounds.
• Locate the main entrance on the busiest street front.
• Use only the main entrance at night.
• Use convex mirrors at the entrance to allow staff to see exterior blind spots.
• Use a straight path from entry to street to keep view clear.
• Remove possible hiding places such as shrubs or rubbish bins from the entry way.
• Consider the location of parking facilities and ensure the route between them and the facility entrance is well lit.
• Consider displaying signs stating no cash is kept on premises or similar.

Consider both building and personal security:

• Consider minimum staffing numbers.  Where possible ensure staff work in pairs.
• Use video surveillance throughout the facility, especially in the foyer and access areas.
• Consider keeping drugs in a time lock safe and displaying signage to this effect.
• Consider using security patrols and back to base security.
• Use security alarms on locked doors that use light and sound to alert of break-ins.
• Consider installing a panic button in strategic places such as reception.  The button should automatically summon police.
• Give staff mobile phones, pagers or personal alarms.

Consider also your cash handling practices:

• Look for ways to avoid staff carrying large amounts of cash such as use of internet banking.
• Where staff are required to bank money ensure an irregular schedule.  Remember that bank night safes have little security.
• Do not advertise the activity.  Try not to use a calico money bag.

Make sure you provide training on:

• Incident prevention strategy.
• Incident procedures.
• Post-incident follow up.
• Security controls.

Templates & References

How do I know the implications if an employee is working late at night or on their own?