Product Overview

Summary: This Working in Remote Locations Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for planning, undertaking and supervising remote work anywhere in Australia. It helps organisations control the unique risks of isolation, communication failure, extreme environments and limited emergency support, while meeting their WHS obligations and duty of care.

Working in remote and isolated locations across Australia presents a distinct set of safety, logistical and communication challenges. Long travel distances, harsh weather, limited medical support, unreliable communications and the potential for workers to be alone all significantly increase the risk profile of routine tasks. This Safe Operating Procedure establishes a structured, defensible approach to planning and managing remote work so that risks are identified, controlled and monitored before workers leave the depot and while they are in the field.

The procedure sets out clear requirements for pre-trip planning, journey and fatigue management, communications protocols, emergency preparedness, vehicle and equipment checks, and escalation pathways when things do not go to plan. It supports businesses to comply with WHS legislation relating to remote and isolated work, while giving supervisors and workers practical tools such as checklists, call‑in schedules and emergency response steps. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, improve worker confidence, and significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents in remote Australian environments—from outback roads and pastoral stations to remote mine sites, utilities infrastructure and regional community visits.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to planning and controlling remote and isolated work across all projects and sites.
• Reduce the likelihood and severity of incidents related to isolation, communication failure, fatigue, vehicle breakdown and environmental exposure.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS laws and guidance relating to remote and isolated work, journey management and emergency preparedness.
• Improve worker confidence and wellbeing by providing clear expectations, communication schedules and support mechanisms while working remotely.
• Streamline supervisor oversight with standardised checklists, trip authorisation steps and escalation protocols for overdue or missed check‑ins.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• HSE Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Project Managers
• Field Technicians
• Environmental Scientists and Field Officers
• Surveyors and Inspectors
• Maintenance and Service Technicians
• Remote Community Workers
• FIFO and DIDO Coordinators
• HR and Workforce Planning Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Remote and isolated work with delayed emergency response
• Communication failures due to lack of mobile coverage or equipment faults
• Vehicle breakdowns or crashes on remote or unsealed roads
• Fatigue from long-distance driving, extended shifts and irregular hours
• Exposure to extreme heat, cold, storms and other severe weather conditions
• Dehydration and heat stress in hot, arid or tropical environments
• Slips, trips and falls in uneven or unfamiliar terrain
• Wildlife encounters (e.g. snakes, insects, livestock) in remote areas
• Limited access to first aid and medical treatment
• Psychological risks associated with isolation and working alone
• Security and personal safety risks when visiting remote communities or properties

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Remote, Isolated Work, Call‑In, Journey Management, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, Remote Work Coordinators)
• 4.0 Planning Remote Work and Risk Assessment Requirements
• 5.0 Journey Management and Fatigue Control
• 6.0 Communications Requirements and Check‑In Protocols
• 7.0 Vehicle, Plant and Equipment Requirements and Pre‑Departure Checks
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Field Survival Essentials
• 9.0 Environmental and Weather Considerations (Heat, Storms, Flooding, Bushfire)
• 10.0 Working Alone and Isolation Control Measures
• 11.0 Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Remote Work
• 12.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Breakdowns, Lost or Overdue, Medical Emergencies)
• 13.0 Incident Reporting and Escalation in Remote Locations
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements for Remote Workers
• 15.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Remote Work Practices
• 16.0 Supporting Tools: Remote Work Checklist, Trip Authorisation Form, Call‑In Schedule Template

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations – provisions relating to remote or isolated work and emergency plans
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice (including guidance on remote or isolated work)
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in Heat
• Safe Work Australia – Fatigue Management guidance material
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced in industry)
• AS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 2299.3 and relevant industry guidance for remote field operations (as applicable to specific sectors)
• Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) guidance on use of satellite and UHF communications (for remote communications equipment)