Workers are the biggest assets – and at times, liabilities – of any business. This is why their safety should always be prioritized, no matter their occupation. Some lines of work might require more intensive safety measures than others, nevertheless, companies should ensure their workers’ safety.
Lone worker security tends to be a more pressing concern, however. This is due to the fact that individuals who work in isolation and without supervision are more vulnerable to different kinds of danger. The fact that they do not have anyone to assist them in case of an emergency makes their work riskier than others.
In the UK, about 150 lone workers are attacked on a daily basis. This should emphasize to employers the need to ensure their employees’ safety.
What does the Law say about lone working?
If you’re looking for a specific legislation about lone working, you won’t find much in the UK. However, lone workers are covered by at least six laws:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999
- The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations of 1977
- The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations of 1996
- The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act of 2007
- The Fire Act of 2005
These legislations generally cover the responsibilities and liabilities of employers to their lone workers while they’re on the clock. They have various specifications that are designed to cover various industries and types of job activities. Some of them also outline the responsibilities of workers so they can also help protect themselves from potential harm.
Generally, however, the Health and Safety Executive notes that the law requires employers to assess and consider the dangers that their employees will face when working alone before they are allowed to do so. This can be an effective preventive measure to help minimize and prevent serious accidents.
These can help guarantee the safety of lone workers to some degree. It can differ, however, from one company to another, depending on their safety policies.
How employers keep their lone workers safe
What are the most common measures employers take to ensure their lone workers’ safety? Here are a few of the most popular methods used today:
Manual check-ins
This is the most traditional method on the list. It usually involves the worker to check in with their supervisor at specific intervals. In case the lone worker failed to check in at the specified time, their supervisor can raise alarm and take measures to reach the worker.
Cloud-based monitoring systems
Technological advances now allow employers to utilize various devices to help them monitor their lone workers while they’re away from their headquarters. These systems have various features, however, so employers can have it tailor-fitted to their needs. In many occasions, it’s not just used to monitor the safety of their employers but also to check in on their tasks’ progress.
Specialized monitoring call centres
Some employers also use Alarm Response Centres to help them provide immediate assistance to their lone workers in case violence and other hostile situations come up.
As a lone worker, you can rest assured that the law has your safety in mind. As an employer, there are lots of easy ways you can provide safety and security to your workers. These measures can help reduce risks to lone working and keep every employee safe.
