Interviews

Lone worker risk

by Mark Rowe

Employers have a duty of care to their staff. Supporting those who often work alone will not only protect them, but it may also protect an employer’s reputation and business. That is the advice in a white paper on lone workers from the property protection contractor Orbis.

The British Security Industry Association estimates that more than six million people in the UK work either in isolation or without direct supervision, often in places or circumstances that put them at potential risk. Lone workers are also at risk from slips, trips, falls and occupational hazards such as electrocution and can also suffer from personal wellbeing risks such as regularly being in stressful environments.

The new white paper explores what constitutes a lone worker, the threats they face and the legal requirements placed on an organisation thatemploys them. It also discusses different solutions for supporting and managing lone workers and offers best practice advice.

Guy Other, CEO of Orbis, said: “The threats to lone workers can be stark. As well as offering advice for supporting and managing lone workers in our new white paper, Orbis offers effective solutions to support and protect them. Our code5® lone worker device-independent solution supports more than 10,000 loneworkers. Clients see it as a fourth emergency service and an invaluable investment in the safety of all lone staff in potentially dangerous situations.”

The white paper advises that is is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and to take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary. Tips for managing lone workers include:

1. Assess the risk
Identify and categorise the job roles performed as low, medium or high risk. Identify any staff who may have an increased risk due to any underlying medical conditions.

2. Assess the solutions
Consider whether you can use your current technology or you need to invest in new devices.

3. Implement the product
Introduce your technology solution as part of a change in safety culture. The services andsolution have to be embedded in your organisation’s culture and result in a real change in staff behaviour.

4. Assessment and audit
Constantly analyse your solution’s effectiveness. Assess each lone worker’s risk annually and monitor productivity and efficiency gains. Consider setting up a user group of internal champions in the business to be your eyes and ears for lone workers and get feedback from them on the success and uptake of the technology and other challenges and problems.

Download a free copy of the white paper at www.orbisprotect.com/download-lone-worker-white-paper-2/

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