The dangers and problems that Lone Workers may face have been illustrated by some high profile incidents. The best known is that of the Estate Agent, Suzy Lamplugh, who went missing following an appointment to show a prospective client around a property. Her disappearance dramatically raised the profile of the risks associated with being a Lone Worker.
Unfortunately more workers are finding themselves on the receiving end of verbal or even physical abuse. Research has shown that being the recipient of such abuse is damaging to a persons well being and state of mind. Helping prevent such abuse and capturing evidence of such incidences has until now been extremely difficult.
Every employer and employee has responsibilities and rights under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) (1974) to ensure the provision of a safe working environment supported by safe systems of working.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends that: Procedures will need to be put in place to monitor lone workers to see that they remain safe.
These may include:
• Supervisors periodically visiting and observing people working alone
• Regular contact between the lone worker and supervision using either a telephone or radio
• Automatic warning devices which operate if specific signals are not received periodically from the lone worker, e.g. systems for security staff
• Other devices designed to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency and which are operated manually or automatically by the absence of activity
• Checks that a lone worker has returned to their base or home on completion of a task.
Staff must feel secure so that they can perform their duties free from fear and in the knowledge that, should they find themselves in a threatening situation, effective action will be taken.
A balanced approach is needed to ensure that procedures are not too onerous on employees, or too restrictive
The most effective Lone Worker solutions provide a combination of technology, training and a monitoring service, enabling employees to take a greater degree of responsibility for their own safety and security.
For more advice on loan worker legislation and your company give us a call on 01604 604448.