Those who perform their jobs without close or direct supervision face unique challenges and risks that differ from those in a team environment. Here’s a detailed look at ten types of lone worker risks and how to address them effectively.
1. Medical emergencies
Like anyone lone workers are at risk of encountering a medical emergency while working, which could result in an accident or injury. Without immediate access to help, these situations can quickly become life-threatening.
The solution: For more visibility and awareness that your lone workers are safe it is beneficial to implement a system where lone workers can regularly check-in to update their status. This can easily be implemented with dedicated devices or a lone worker safety app that can trigger an alert if lone workers do not respond in time, or if the device detects lack of movement or a fall.
2. Slips, trips and falls
Working alone increases the risk associated with an employee not being spotted if they were to slip, trip or fall, particularly in hazardous environments like construction sites or remote areas.
The solution: It's important to ensure lone workers are equipped with appropriate footwear and personal protective equipment (PPE). Many lone worker devices and lone worker apps offer fall detection, so that an SOS alert can be raised if a lone worker falls. Regular site assessments and proper training on hazard recognition and avoidance are also crucial in raising awareness of risks and preventing accidents.
3. Violence and assault
Lone workers, especially those in public-facing roles like security guards, healthcare professionals or delivery drivers, are at risk of violence or assault.
The solution: Training on conflict resolution and managing difficult situations can often be beneficial for lone workers in public facing roles, to help lone workers deal with difficult situations. In these cases it's also strongly recommended that lone workers have access to panic alarms or devices, so they can raise an alert or have an alert raise automatically if they have not checked in. Some devices such as the Lone Worker App have a two-way communication feature that can provide lone workers with access to a secure communication line with an Alarm Receiving Centre for immediate assistance. See our other devices such as the small and compact SOS Fob device and the IDX Alert, for more information on devices that protect against the risk of people.
4. Environmental hazards
Exposure to extreme weather conditions, wildlife, rough terrain or areas with limited or no signal, pose significant risks to lone workers working in outdoor or remote areas.
The solution: It's recommended that lone workers have access to appropriate gear that is suitable for their environment, as well as emergency supplies to fulfil their role safely. Some devices such as the Spot Gen 4 device and Spot Gen X device do not require mobile signal to function and instead rely on satellite signal. You can also implement safety procedures for dealing with challenging weather conditions and train workers on environmental hazard response protocols.
5. Equipment and machinery
Many lone worker's day-to-day role involves operating heavy machinery or complex equipment. This puts them at a high chance of malfunctions or accidents that can result in severe injury.
The solution: Always implement regular checks for maintenance and inspection of equipment and train your employees on proper use and emergency shutdown procedures. Implement a lone worker system that includes devices such as the Twig One device or Man Down X device that can detect impact or a change in tilt, and notifies your escalation contacts immediately if an incident occurs.
6. Chemical exposure
Lone workers that regularly work in industries dealing with hazardous or explosive materials, risk exposure to harmful substances when working alone.
The solution: It's vital to provide comprehensive training on handling chemicals and safety and emergency procedures for exposure incidents. You should also ensure lone workers have access to safety data sheets and necessary PPE. The Twig One ATEX is an intrinsically safe lone worker alarm device, which is the ultimate lone working protection device for working in hazardous and explosive environments. The device offers many helpful features including a powerful audio and vibrating alarm, a large SOS button and a man down function.
7. Fatigue and mental health
It's difficult to recognise signs of increased fatigue and the negative impact lone working can have on mental health, when managing remote teams and individuals working alone. Isolation and a lack of immediate support can often have a negative impact on the wellbeing, safety and productivity of lone workers, and make it difficult to reach out when they need you most.
The solution: To create a healthy and productive working environment it's important to encourage regular breaks and provide mental health support resources. You can also implement a lone worker solution such as the Lone Worker App for periodic check-ins, to reduce feelings of isolation.
8. Limited or no signal
In complex sites or indoor areas with limited or no signal, lone workers are likely to experience communication difficulties, making it difficult to check-in or call for help in emergencies.
The solution: Devices such as The Safety Watch provide employees with lone worker protection and can operate on GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for protection in poor signal areas. The device consists of advanced features such as no movement detection, fall detection as well as the ability to raise an alert from the touch of a button.
9. Security breaches and theft
Lone workers working in secluded areas, or opening up or locking up at night are at risk of theft or break-ins.
The solution: To prevent the risk of an incident happening always implement strict security protocols, including a system to check-in with devices when a lone worker has opened up or locked up safely. Having a lone worker device provides lone workers with a reliable and secure means to report suspicious activity immediately by raising an SOS Alert.
The OWL, our lone worker management system, can help you oversee incidents, by managing alerts and checking in with your lone workers easily and securely.
10. Incidents on the go
Employees traveling alone, whether by vehicle, public transport or on foot, face a range of risks from people, traffic accidents or breakdowns in remote areas.
The solution: It's vital that vehicles are well maintained and equipped with emergency kits. Provide your lone workers with a check-in system they can use to confirm they have reached their destination safely in the form of a personal safety device, with a panic button to enable a rapid response in case of an incident or accident.
Conclusion
Understanding and mitigating the risks faced by lone workers is crucial for ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Employers must implement comprehensive safety measures, provide appropriate training, and foster a supportive environment that prioritises the health and safety of lone workers. By addressing these ten types of lone worker risks, organisations can create a safer and more productive work environment.
Visit our website to see best practices on how you can protect your lone workers.
