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Safety advice for Lone Workers

Written by Adrian Worthington, published 01-14-23

According to data from the British Safety Council, 150 lone workers in the UK are subjected to attack on a daily basis. This encompasses both verbal and physical forms of assault. This amounts to a staggering 54,750 lone workers experiencing attack annually. To ensure their well-being, it is crucial for employers to provide protection for lone workers while they perform their duties independently and create a safe work environment for them. It is essential for employers to have knowledge on how to safeguard their lone workers. Read on for our safety advice for lone workers.

150 lone workers in the UK are subjected to attack on a daily basis. That amounts to a staggering 54,750 lone workers experiencing attack annually

British Safety Council

A lone worker is an individual who works independently or in isolation, without close or direct supervision. This type of worker may be found in a variety of industries, such as construction, transportation, and healthcare. Due to the nature of their work, lone workers may be at an increased risk of accidents or other incidents, and may require special safety measures or support to ensure their well-being.

Working alone can be a challenging and sometimes dangerous task so its vitally important for lone workers to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while on the job. Here are some tips for keeping safe when working alone.

Carry a Personal Alarm

One of the most effective ways to stay safe when working alone is to carry a personal alarm. Our alarms are small, portable devices that emit a loud noise when activated. Our Canister personal alarms have an intimidating design that serves as a visual deterrent as well as a variety of actions such as Spray, Odour, Sound and Identifiers. They can be used to alert others in the area of danger or to signal for help in case of an emergency.

Stay in Touch

Make sure to carry a phone or other communication device with you at all times. This allows you to contact others in case of an emergency or to check in with a supervisor or colleague on a regular basis.

Know Your Environment

Take the time to familiarise yourself with your work environment, including the location of exits and emergency equipment. This will help you to quickly and safely evacuate the area in case of an emergency.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off or out of place, trust your instincts and take action. This could mean leaving the area or contacting a supervisor or colleague for assistance.

Be Prepared

Carry a torch, a first aid kit, and any other equipment that you may need in case of an emergency. This will help you to stay safe and to respond quickly in case of an incident.

Have a plan

Make sure you have a plan in place for what to do in case of an emergency, whether it’s calling the police or activating your personal alarm. Discuss this plan with your supervisor or colleagues, so everyone is on the same page.

Use Technology

Many companies now provide technology to their lone workers in the form of Lone worker protection devices which can be worn on the body, such as an SOS button or GPS location tracking. This can provide peace of mind for both the worker and the company management.

By following these tips and safety advice for lone workers, you can greatly reduce the risk of harm while on the job. The most important thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and to have a plan in place for emergencies. With a little preparation and some common sense, you can stay safe while working alone. Find out which personal alarm would be best for you here

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