As cases of threats to lone workers become increasingly prevalent, business leaders have been offered expert advice to help them prioritise and increase protection for relevant staff.
Safepoint is urging decision makers in relevant industries to review and increase safety protocols for its staff members that work by themselves.
Statistics show that incidents involving lone workers are common across all industries, with 68 per cent of companies having experienced an incident involving a lone worker in the past three years. Worryingly, a fifth of these incidents were described as severe or very severe.*
Anybody who works alone, including contractors, self-employed people and employees, is classed as a lone worker. This is defined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as people who work by themselves without close or direct supervision.
It’s estimated that around 20 per cent of the working population are lone workers, with around 8 million of these estimated to be working alone in the UK.**
Now Safepoint, which provides apps and devices including wearable panic alarms for lone workers and at-risk staff, are calling for business leaders to review and implement more robust safety protocols to ensure the safety of people who work by themselves, such as health care workers, estate agents, construction workers, utility workers, delivery drivers, security personnel, and agricultural workers.
They say that whilst threats to lone workers are unfortunately nothing new, cases are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly as the pandemic accelerated the adoption of lone working in many industries. Roles and sectors that are particularly affected include health care, estate agents, retail staff and even hotel workers.
Lone workers are especially vulnerable because they operate without immediate support or supervision which increases the risk of accidents, health emergencies, and security threats. Without colleagues nearby, they may face delays in receiving help, which exacerbates the severity of incidents.
Employers have a duty to protect their staff, and without proper safeguards and protocols, lone workers are more susceptible to injuries, prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions, and delayed emergency response, which could lead to severe physical and mental health issues.
In the last few years, the Health and Safety Executive removed any upper limits on how much they can fine corporations for health and safety infringements. This means that fines for failing to adequately protect lone workers can rack up to millions of pounds for larger companies.
Safepoint’s CEO Callum Coombes said: “Ensuring the safety of lone workers is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, so employers must take proactive steps to protect these vulnerable employees. That being said, failure to comply with the regulations could result in businesses facing fines of thousands – or even millions – of pounds.
“There will always be greater risks for lone workers without direct supervision or anyone to help them if things go wrong, but we’ve seen firsthand how advanced monitoring and communication systems can transform the safety landscape for isolated employees.
“GPS tracking, wearable devices, and remote monitoring technologies are not just innovations, they are lifelines. These tools provide real-time data, enabling swift responses to emergencies and ensuring that workers are never truly alone, even in the most remote locations.
“Automated check-ins and emergency alerts also ensure that help is dispatched at the first sign of trouble, while incident reporting platforms allow for continuous improvement in safety measures.
“The psychological benefits of having these measures in place cannot be understated either. Knowing that there are robust systems in place provides lone workers with peace of mind, reducing stress and increasing productivity.
“In the end, safeguarding our lone workers is about leveraging every available system and tool to create a safer, more supportive work environment.”
Here are seven ways business leaders can increase protection for their lone workers:
- Conduct risk assessments:
Regularly evaluate the risks associated with lone working to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures. This involves assessing the work environment, tasks performed, and specific risks related to working in isolation. Involving lone workers in this process can provide valuable insights and ensure all potential hazards are identified and addressed.
- Implement monitoring systems:
Use technology like GPS tracking, wearable devices, and remote monitoring to keep track of lone workers’ locations and conditions. These systems can provide real-time data and alerts, enabling quick response in case of an emergency. Advanced monitoring systems can also detect unusual patterns or movements, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Establish communication protocols:
Set up regular check-in times and ensure lone workers have reliable means of communication, such as mobile phones, two-way radios, or specialised safety apps. Establish a protocol for missed check-ins and ensure that there are backup communication methods in place. Regular communication helps to ensure the safety and well-being of lone workers and provides a sense of connection and support.
- Provide training and resources:
Equip lone workers with training on emergency procedures, self-defence, and first aid. Ensure they have access to necessary equipment and resources to stay safe, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid kits, and emergency contact information. Ongoing training sessions help workers stay informed about the latest safety practices and how to respond to potential hazards.
- Develop emergency response plans:
Create and regularly update emergency response plans tailored to situations that your lone workers might face, and conduct drills to ensure workers know what to do in an emergency. These plans should include clear instructions on how to get help quickly, contact emergency services, and evacuate if necessary.
- Foster a safety-first culture:
Promote a workplace culture that prioritises safety and encourages workers to report hazards or unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Regularly communicate the importance of safety, recognise safe work practices, and welcome feedback on how to improve safety measures. A strong safety culture empowers workers to take responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues.
- Leverage technology:
Utilise modern safety apps and platforms that offer features like automatic check-ins, emergency alerts, and incident reporting. These tools can provide real-time data and analytics, helping to identify trends and areas for improvement. Integrating technology into safety protocols enhances the overall effectiveness of safety measures and ensures that lone workers are always connected and protected.
Safepoint keeps frontline, at-risk, and lone workers safe through their award-winning apps, clever wearables and devices, and unmatched alarm monitoring system.
From social care and engineering, to hospitality and renewables, businesses in a range of industries use Safepoint to protect their lone workers and at-risk staff, including NHS England, Aldi, Michelin, Specsavers and Mitsubishi.
Safepoint was highly commended in Geovation’s “Protection of Life” award in 2024, which is associated with the Ordnance Survey. The business was also named Tech Nation’s Rising Stars Alumni in 2024, and its CEO Callum Coombes recently won the British Ex-Forces in Business “Entrepreneur of the Year” award.