Lone Worker Services
Lone worker services are designed to help employers meet their legal obligations when it comes to protecting employees who work alone or in remote locations. These include the UK’s Working Alone Regulations and BS 8484:201 (the industry standard for lone worker safety services).
Whether it is a social care worker, paramedic or field service engineer, employees who spend time in isolation from others are at increased risk of assault and other forms of aggression. They may also be more likely to suffer a workplace injury or even lose their life in a serious accident.
The best approach to keeping these workers safe is to prevent the problem before it occurs by putting in place controls such as training, hazard assessments and procedures for check-ins. It is also important to be aware of any local lone worker laws in the country where your staff operate.
personal duress technology It’s crucial that lone worker procedures are clear and non-negotiable. They should spell out the responsibilities of both workers and managers (e.g. who is to initiate checks) using imperative language. Using terms such as "should" or “could” can be misleading for employees who may not understand the risks involved.
Managers may not see lone workers often, so it can be difficult for them to spot the warning signs of stress or illness. Providing two-way communication tools with status checks and polls, like Connecteam, helps managers stay in contact with their team members. It also allows them to ask for help should the need arise, which can be especially important for workers who are isolated from the public or in a dangerous environment.