There are tons of industries across the United States that need lone workers. While lone workers might be necessary in some cases, there are also many risks they face.
Lone workers face a lot of potential harm. This includes a lack of emergency response possibilities if they get hurt. It also includes a lack of supervision – some even deal with violence from the public and stress due to isolation.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to keep your lone workers safe. Your isolated workers should have layers of protection for safety and wellbeing.
Below, find out what the best strategies are to protect your lone workers.
Lone Workers Definition
A lone worker is anyone who works by themselves. This means anyone with no direct coworkers or supervisors nearby. It can include people who work from home, work far away from others on a worksite, or those who travel for work.
Even someone who works with the public is a lone worker if no one else from their organization is nearby.
Risks to Lone Workers
What are lone workers more at risk from? Well, there are many risks that lone workers face while on the job. This includes both physical and mental risk factors.
Working in an isolated area for long periods of time can create stress and loneliness. Employers should watch mental well-being should among lone workers. In fact, about 18% of workers felt working alone negatively affected mental health.
One of the biggest physical risks to lone workers is the lack of emergency personnel around. A worker could fall or gets hurt, whether from a work-related accident or public violence. They may not have anyone around that witnesses the emergency and can call for help.
How to Protect Your Lone Workers
Keeping lone workers safe by ensuring they have the right training. This includes learning proper safety protocols to follow while on the job. It should also include how to report back to a supervisor and when to check in, as well as what to do in emergencies.
Make sure that there is a system in place for your lone worker to keep in touch with their supervisor. This may include email, text, or even an app or software that allows you to track your remote staff. Provide peace of mind and security for lone workers by letting them know they always have someone to reach out to.
Tracking lone workers is a great way to let workers check in and keep tabs on everyone. It also gives workers an easy way to alert supervisors and emergency personnel if they need help.
Another useful technology is lone worker devices. Rather than relying on text or calls, these devices can work along with tracking software. A great device will have a panic button, send automated man-down alerts, and keep contact lines open.
Keeping Lone Workers Safe
Any employer that needs lone workers should be doing everything they can to keep their workers protected. This includes respecting lone worker’s rights and regularly checking in on physical and mental wellbeing.
Investing in top-notch training, software, and tracking devices for your lone workers is important. Find the software and tracking technology that will work best for your company today. Keep your lone workers safe.
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