Important safety steps for remote health workers
May 22, 2025
Workers in remote locations can be at greater risk of mental, and sometimes even physical, harm.
While these workers play such a valuable role in their communities, the reality is they are often working away from home in unfamiliar settings where help is not always nearby. Therefore, safety needs to stay front of mind to reduce the risk of injury, illness and death.
It’s something that is not lost on us at Talent Quarter as we place nurses, allied health workers and social workers in jobs at remote locations across the country, from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Cape York in Far North Queensland.
While we have checks and balances in place, it’s crucial that workers being placed in remote and rural areas have a good sense of their own safety from the get-go.
Understanding the risks
Communities in remote areas can sometimes have high levels of unemployment, mental health issues and crime. It is important to understand the specific issues that apply in the area you are moving to, as well as the support available to you.
Before starting a job in a remote location, you should consider questions including: What kind of community are you going into? Where are the closest emergency services? If you’re feeling isolated, who can you call for support? What are you going to do if you find yourself working with equipment you aren’t confident operating? Are you equipped to deal with challenging work scenarios?
It’s also important to research the community you’re relocating to ensure you are aware of the culture, people and challenges you will encounter.
When you arrive at your new location, safe accommodation with lockable doors and windows is a must.
Gayle’s Law
Health workers should never work on their own.
In South Australia and Queensland legislation referred to as ‘Gayle’s Law’ requires remote health workers to be accompanied when going on unscheduled or after-hours callouts.
The law is named after Gayle Woodford who was raped and beaten to death in 2016 while she was the on-call nurse in the remote town of Fregon on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia.
She was lured out of her house by a man who claimed there was a medical emergency.
It’s a tragedy that highlights the need to take extra precautions when working in remote communities.
Fatigue and workplace hazards
It’s second nature for health workers to want to help people.
Even if they’re taking a well-earned break following a 12-hour shift, they won’t hesitate to care for a patient in need.
Fatigue can increase the risk of injury in the workplace, so it’s important for health workers to take the necessary breaks and only work the amount of overtime they’re legally allowed to do.
Those from metropolitan areas may also find themselves working with equipment they aren’t familiar with, which can pose an injury risk. Hoists in regional hospitals, for example, may be older than those they are used to working with.
Checks and balances
It’s important for employers and recruitment agencies to stay connected to people they place into jobs in remote areas.
Workers need to know there is someone they can call anytime, anywhere for help. That includes in the wee hours. Recently I took a call from a nurse at 5.45am as she was experiencing issues with a connecting flight to a remote area.
At Talent Quarter, we also make regular safety calls to see how a worker is going, to ensure they feel happy and safe.
Working remotely is tough – you’re away from your loved ones, operating in an isolated environment and, in some cases, under really challenging circumstances.
We ensure our placements, like our internal employees, have access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide free, professional and counselling services.
A final word on safety
My team would never place anyone in a situation where we wouldn’t place our mothers, fathers, sisters or brothers. My husband works in a high-risk role, so workplace safety is something I’m really passionate about.
“Everybody has the right to leave home for work and return home safely.”
Jan Bannerman
Managing Director, Talent Quarter
Share this post
As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to switch gears: to reflect on the past 12 months, recharge over the holidays and perhaps start to think about what comes next. If you’re working in the healthcare sector - whether nursing, allied health, aged care or medical support - now is an excellent time to give some thought to your next career step . At Talent Quarter, we have fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and we’d love to get you connected. Get in touch with us today and let’s make your next step the best career move so for you. Below is our career-checklist and some practical tips to help you approach a job move in the new year - with less stress, more clarity and even while you enjoy your holiday downtime. Why now could be a smart time for a change Even though the labour market has its fluctuations, the healthcare sector in Australia continues to show strong underlying opportunities.
Working in rural and remote healthcare isn’t just a career move, for some, it’s a calling. For many nurses, it’s about stepping into communities where access to healthcare can be limited, and where your presence actually makes a world of difference. One of our incredible nurses, Brittanie , has spent the past three years working across remote Australia - and she shared what this experience has meant to her, she says: “After spending time in rural areas, I realised how much impact you can have in small communities. Every day is different - from emergency response and CareFlight retrievals to outstation visits and primary healthcare - and you never stop learning.” Connection is at the Heart of Care What stands out most about rural nursing isn’t just the variety of work, it’s the connection. In these communities, you’re not just a clinician; you’re a massive part of their lives. You're able to see the results of your care first-hand and watch families grow across generations. The landscape, culture, and pace of life bring a sense of purpose and grounding that’s hard to find elsewhere. “Being surrounded by country and culture gives you a real sense of meaning. It’s not just healthcare - it’s connection, belonging, and learning from the strength and resilience of the communities you serve.” At TQ, this is a first-hand example of what we call Connections with Impact.
Working in Aged Care means giving compassion, patience and heart every day. But in a sector built on care, your own wellbeing matters just as much as the people you support. What the Numbers Say Recent Australian research shows wellbeing in aged care is under real pressure: Around 1 in 4 workers experience burnout symptoms like fatigue and emotional exhaustion (ARIIA, 2024). Burnout rates increased and resilience has declined (Medical Journal of Australia). Over half of workers in some studies have considered leaving due to workload and emotional strain. These aren’t just stats - they’re the lived reality of the people caring for our most vulnerable. Why It Matters Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the slow build-up of long shifts, emotional load, and never-ending demands. But you matter too - your health, your energy, your purpose. It’s okay to pause, take leave, ask for help, and reset. Caring for yourself is part of caring for others - you can’t pour from an empty cup! Alexiss, our Head of Aged Care at TQ, puts it perfectly: “Pause and reconnect with your purpose. Remember what drew you to aged care, because those meaningful connections can reignite your spark when you need it most.” What Helps Reduce Burnout in Aged Care Smarter workloads, better schedules: When shifts are balanced and you have more control over your work, burnout drops - and job satisfaction rises. Strong support systems - Good leadership and supportive teammates make all the difference. Care work is relational, and carers need care too. Spot pressure early - Noticing stress points before they build helps keep teams steady and safe. Extra hands when needed - Partnering with Talent Quarter means having qualified staff ready to step in when workloads peak. Hiring for the long haul - Bringing in the right permanent staff creates stability, strengthens teams, and helps prevent burnout before it starts. 🤝 Connections with Impact At TQ, we really do believe that great care starts with supporting the carers . We’re here to help connect you with workplaces where you feel valued, supported and able to thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally. Let us help you find an Aged Care role that’s right for you! And remember, it’s okay to pause. To take leave. To ask for help. To reset. The best carers are those who know when to look after themselves first. Because when you’re well, the positive impact you create ripples through everyone around you. If you’d like support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, our Aged Care Team is here for you. Get in touch! 📩 Alexiss: Alexiss.Macneil@talentquarter.com
