Lone workers at risk

Sam Towens at EcoOnline explores a growing risk to safety at work and describes how lone workers can be better protected

 

Lone workers are present in nearly every industry. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly increased their numbers, the past decade has seen a global transformation in the nature of work. In 2023, the UK had an estimated 7 to 9 million lone workers, many of whom face unique risks simply by being alone in different environments. For example, incidents of aggression and abuse have surged from 9% to 17% over the last three years, with lone workers highlighting it as their top risk.

 

Fortunately, our Lone Worker Landscape Report 2024 indicates that lone worker safety is being taken more seriously than it was in 2021. However, incidents involving lone workers remain significantly under-reported, and there remains clear gaps between the perceptions of executives and their lone worker employees. 

 

Looking ahead, companies should proactively implement robust safety measures. This includes fostering clear communication around risks and reporting, providing education on regulations, and leveraging digital connectivity to support safety efforts.

Gaps in the lone worker landscape

Our study also found that there continues to be conflicting priorities in lone worker safety. While half of executives claim it as important as other business functions, only 29% of lone workers feel they are prioritised equally. Additionally, though 53% of companies report holding safety training or briefing sessions, 61% of lone workers feel they lack a clear understanding of HSE safety guidelines. This understanding-gap indicates a perception problem, often rooted in a lack of clear communication.

 

In the area of risk assessments—designed to identify potential hazards and minimise harm—only 31% of lone workers said they are conducted regularly, compared to 51% of executives. This disparity can have significant consequences for both parties.

 

For lone workers, it increases vulnerability and heightened risks of accidents. For companies, this misalignment can undermine trust within the workforce, increase legal risks, and lead to financial loses. Executives should recognise the importance of bridging this divide with open communication to foster a culture of safety across businesses. 

 

Better communication about risks

Perception gaps between workers and executives are compounded by ineffective reporting of potential risks. Only a third of lone workers report safety concerns to their employers, while 92% of executives believe their lone workers routinely communicate incidents and concerns. Addressing this under-reporting is critical to ensuring comprehensive protection of employees.  

 

To create a culture of safety in every element of the business—including those working alone—executives should introduce more frequent and thorough risk assessments. Any potential dangers found must be communicated to every employee. Technology plays a pivotal role here, from speeding up risk assessments and enabling mobile reporting, to introducing notifications and proactive training that help pinpoint necessary risk assessments in real time.

 

Education about safety regulations

Current safety measures require urgent re-evaluation. Lone workers often do not understand the regulations applicable to them, with 61% stating they understand these regulations either ‘not very well’ or ‘not at all well’. 

 

To reduce incidents, companies must prioritise high-quality safety training for both executives and lone workers. With 66% of lone workers rating current training as merely ‘OK’, there is room for improvement. For example, surveys could be conducted to assess employees’ understanding of regulations following training sessions, with regular updates regarded as a necessity. 

 

Digital solutions for safeguarding

Luckily, a wide array of digital lone worker solutions is available to help business leaders create a long-term culture of safety—from scheduling calls, checks and supervisor visits, to mobile apps and panic buttons.

 

While lone workers show a preference for protective measures involving human contact, this person-to-person communication cannot happen without better digital connectivity. With incidents remaining high, it is critical for companies to implement effective measures to protect their lone workers.

 

Looking ahead, the number of lone workers projected to grow over the next 2 to 3 years, highlights the urgency of bridging gaps in understanding, communication and education.

 

Proactively evaluating and improving processes for keeping workers safe will mean businesses are ready to address the growing threats lone workers face, from violence and aggression to the plethora of other risks. 

 

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Sam Towens is Product Marketing Manager at EcoOnline 

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and IPGGutenbergUKLtd