Do you know there are millions of people working as lone workers globally?
Although this figure is projected to climb as the shift in working patterns continues, it is substantially higher than the previous estimate. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) defines lone working as independent work without close or direct supervision.
Depending on the business, there are several dangers involved with working alone. The safety of lone workers is a wise investment because it gives employers peace of mind, preserves transparency, boosts productivity, relieves stress, and keeps their most productive employees.
As a result, many businesses prefer to work with a reputable security management firm like Dacha SSI to implement a Protecting Lone Workers System that will last for years to come.
Scroll down to know the responsibilities of a security company towards lone workers and how they are supposed to meet them.
Security Measures Required for Lone Workers
Every security company committed to providing their lone workers the needed security is required to follow these security measures for their workers.
- Before beginning any task, be careful to conduct a risk assessment.
- You must put the proper health and safety measures and training into practice.
- For lone employees, the employer must provide enough training.
- Protective apparel, such as Hi-Vis jackets, should be worn by lone employees operating underground or night.
- Keep track of where your employees are, what they’re doing, and who they’re with at all times.
Health and Safety Obligations of Lone Workers
An epidemic has put lone workers in greater danger, making them more vulnerable to savage attacks. At hospitals and gyms, lone employees may find themselves in circumstances that require special attention where they are at a disadvantage and unprepared, especially if exposed to a COVID-19-infected environment.
Lone workers’ health and safety are an employer’s responsibility, and Dacha SSI ensures the security of their lone workers. But lone employees, especially self-employed ones, have a duty to:
- Ensure their health and safety by taking appropriate precautions.
- Protect the health and well-being of those who may be harmed by their job
- Assist their employer in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace
- Observe all safety precautions and training provided before using any tools or equipment.
- Not to abuse the health and safety equipment they’ve been given with.
In addition, lone employees must notify their supervisors of any accidents, injuries, or near misses.
Tips and Tricks for Safeguarding Lone Workers
Every company has lone workers, whether they work alone full-time or on the side. As a result, their safety should be a top priority. For the safety of lone employees, organizations should focus on the techniques and technologies they can use.
Recognize Potentially Dangerous Situations
To protect their lone workers, companies must first recognize the potential dangers they face in their location. It doesn’t matter if your lone workers are working in a food stall, a utility substation, a laboratory, a water treatment facility, or a warehouse; you must be aware of the dangers they may face.
Identify and Evaluate Risks
The lone employees’ safety is improved by identifying the evident threats on the task site. Consider, for example, if the lone workers’ team will be operating near hazardous chemicals or industrial areas. If so, you should assess the potential dangers and invest in safety equipment to minimize fire risk.
In addition to detecting potential threats to safety, assessing various scenarios and consulting with employees might be beneficial.
Devices to Use for the Security of Lone Workers
Employers have a legal responsibility of care to ensure the safety of their workers on the job. It can be done more simply when workers are all in the same place, but it’s more difficult for organizations that use lone workers in the field to achieve this.
Fortunately, technology has expanded by creating so many devices for the security of lone workers. These are:
System for Securing Entrances
Incorporating Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) is an essential step in ensuring the safety of lone workers since it keeps tabs on who is entering and leaving the specific location. Dacha SSI will develop your access control systemin the most user-pleasing and cost-efficient manner possible.
Security Alarm
Security intruder alarm systems are also a great technique to detect and discourage intrusions. This alarm system will react if it sees any irrelevant or unlawful access to a location.
As a result, lone employees are less exposed to vandalism, burglary, or any other attack when equipped with a properly installed and regularly maintained alarm system.
Satellite Technology
Satellite devices are helpful for lone employees who operate in remote places where cell phone reception might be spotty. These devices allow them to stay in touch with the rest of the group at any moment.
Alert System For Group
Employees can use the group alert system to bring attention to any infractions of the company’s code of ethics. The group can also complain about the company or public interest laws and regulations being violated by behavior and practices.
An Electronic Device For Safety (ESD)
A lone worker can transport this emergency device in its small and portable form to far-flung locations. It’s quick and simple to use. Lone workers can use this device to call for immediate assistance.
Insights
You can also foresee potential attacks by putting in a sound security system. Analytics tells you about upcoming problems and provides you with the information to deal with them before they become a problem. As a result, your lone workers will be more protected against accidents.
Our Summary
Lone workers are always at risk because they work in places where security assistance is less or doesn’t exist. Companies must therefore create a lone worker protection system that is both distinctive and dependable, and this system must be made available to and understood by the workers themselves.
However, besides the security strategies mentioned above, you should also develop a physical security system to protect your lone workers. You can, however, get in touch with our Dacha SSI team if you have any questions about lone workers’ security management, and we’ll be happy to answer them.
