Been doing some electrical work lately and realized how isolated I get when I’m deep into a project. Started texting my brother my location and when I expect to wrap up.
Wondering what other solo workers do to stay safe when the job has real risks involved.
I keep a whiteboard by my front door - job details and when I should be back. My neighbor checks if I’m not home by evening.
Trust your gut on sketchy jobs. Something feels wrong about the site or work? I postpone until I get help or better gear. Learned this the hard way with some old wiring - wasted half a day second-guessing when I should’ve just bailed.
Quick walkthrough before starting saves your ass. Spot hazards, find your exits, check your tools aren’t busted. Five minutes that catches problems before they bite you.
Check-in calls work, but I set a phone alarm every 2 hours too. If I don’t turn it off within 10 minutes, my emergency contact knows something’s wrong.
Keep tools organized and put them back after each use. Sounds basic, but when you’re rushing or tired, scattered tools become trip hazards. You’ll waste time hunting for stuff.
I carry a small flashlight even for day jobs. Power cuts out, breakers trip, you end up in a basement - happens more than you’d think.
Biggest thing is knowing when to call it:
Money’s not worth getting hurt. Client can wait.
Same here, but I also leave a detailed note at home with the exact address and work type. If things go wrong, emergency responders need to know what they’re walking into. Had a close call with a gas line once - realized my wife had no idea what kind of danger I was in. Now she gets the full rundown before I leave.
Also keep a first aid kit in the truck and keep it stocked. Basic stuff but it matters when you’re working alone.
Turn off the main breaker when doing electrical stuff. Saved me more than once.
I charge my phone and text a friend every few hours during risky jobs. If I feel uneasy about a situation, I bring someone or skip the job. Safety is more important than finishing a project.