It is estimated that in the UK alone, 8 million people are classed as lone workers. That’s nearly a quarter of the 32.21 million people currently employed in the UK.
As this isolation puts them at risk, there are specific requirements for employers regarding lone worker safety. Research shows an attack happens against 150 lone workers every day, highlighting the importance of having efficient plans in place.
What is a lone worker?
According to the Health & Safety Executive, lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. This can include a person working in a petrol station or small shop. An employee working outside of normal hours such as a cleaner. Or a person who often works alone such as a postman or a security officer.
What is the law regarding lone workers?
It is not illegal for lone workers to operate in the UK. However, employers should note that under Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 they are responsible for the health and safety of their workers, including contractors and freelance staff.
Therefore, an employer must consider, and take steps to minimise, the health and safety risks associated with this practice. As they may be at higher risk, these risk assessments are particularly important for lone workers.
To comply with your legal as well as moral responsibilities, after conducting the assessment, you should create and implement a lone working policy, offer training to your staff and put emergency procedures in place.
How Abbey Security can protect your lone workers in Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Newmarket and Ely
Having a professional security company protecting your business can also have benefits for your staff who may be working alone outside of normal office hours.
Mobile Patrols and Keyholding Services – Our security officers can make routine calls to your business premises or provide unlocking and locking up services. This helps protect staff who may otherwise have to perform these important duties on their own.
Alarm Response – With our alarm response service, a trained security officer will attend any alarm activation, taking the responsibility away from your own staff. This eliminates any risk to them, as they’re not alone on site.
Staff Escorts – Security companies can provide escort services to lone workers. At Cambridge Science Park, Abbey Security provides a free escort to car service for lone or late shift workers. This provides peace of mind to employers as well as protection to employees.
How Abbey Security look after our officers
As our officers often work alone, they too are classified as lone workers. To protect them, our control room works closely with the officer to ensure their ongoing safety. Our vehicles are also tracked, so any unexpected events are immediately noted, and steps quickly taken to ensure the officer’s safety.
Abbey Security Services Ltd can protect lone workers for businesses across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire
As well as preventing injury to the workers themselves, having a professional company look after your security ensures employers are protected and risk to property is reduced. To find out how Abbey Security can help you, call us on 01284 768832 or fill in our contact form.
Posted on May 8, 2018