More than six million people in the UK work either in isolation or without the safety net provided by direct supervision, often in places or circumstances that put them at potential risk, writes the BSIA (British Security Industry Association).
A wide variety of organisations and industry sectors employ people whose jobs require them to work or operate alone, either regularly or occasionally. Almost by definition, lone working can be both intimidating and at times dangerous, so the protection of lone workers involves a twofold approach; not only to provide safeguards but also to offer reassurance to the people involved.
Hotels in particular, often have a wide range of roles that require lone working. Receptionists, bar staff, porters, cleaning and maintenance staff may all be required to work late at night with little or no supervision. In fact, according to members of the BSIA’s Lone Worker section, within the hospitality sector, the group facing the highest levels of risk are hotel employees. When it comes to health, safety and welfare of employees, school officials have a wealth of responsibilities, under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Considerably more severe penalties are now being issued to employers that do not comply following a revision to the sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences in 2016.
It is therefore essential for employers to ensure that lone worker safety is a priority. Lone worker safety solutions provide lone workers with a means to summon aid in the event of an emergency and can also be used to collect vital information that can be used as evidence should the situation call for it.
When it comes to lone worker safety, one of the most important factors to consider is whether or not the supplier is certified to BS 8484, the Code of Practice for the provision of Lone Worker Services. This is vital as it is the basis on which the Police respond to lone worker systems and how they do this. A priority Police response cannot be guaranteed by a supplier who isn’t audited and compliant with BS 8484, and whilst many suppliers will claim that parts of their system are BS 8484 compliant, unless they can prove this by way of certification against sections 4, 5 and 6 of BS 8484, they cannot guarantee a priority police response.
For employers within the hospitality sector, the BSIA’s Lone Worker section has published a guide to lone worker safety which explains in detail all of the considerations that should be taken into account when procuring a lone worker safety solution.
The guide can be downloaded free from the BSIA’s website: https://www.bsia.co.uk/Portals/4/Publications/285-lone-worker-services-hospitality-guide.pdf.
