PR-1081 – Buddy System – PDO

The Buddy System can be defined as a procedure in which two people, the buddies, operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other. During dangerous activities or where there is a dangerous environment, the main benefit of the system is improved safety; each may be able to prevent the other from becoming a casualty or rescue the other in a crisis.

Within PDO this has been refined to include workforces of three or more persons, where nominated persons (in a ratio observer/workers depending on numbers) are used to monitor the safety of the group and alert other services in the event of an incident.

As part of the Company Safety Policy, the ‘Buddy System’ provides a structured approach to ensuring that workers performing potentially hazardous tasks, or working in high-risk locations, work together or as a ‘team’ to ensure each other’s safety.

The purpose of this procedure is to outline the requirements for the ‘Buddy System’ and the process individuals must adhere to ensuring their own personal safety and the safety of their co-workers, who may be working alongside them.