According to the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), more than six million UK employees work without supervision or in isolated conditions, and a high proportion of these work in situations or locations that pose a considerable risk.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are required to guarantee the safety of their staff. If you employ lone workers, or any of your staff may be at particular risk, maybe because they are in contact with potentially violent behaviour or they work late at night or early in the morning, then the following information may prove very useful.
Free Guide for Employers of Lone Workers
If you employ lone or vulnerable workers, you may be interested to read the free BSIA publication, Lone Workers: An Employer’s Guide. This sets out your legal obligations and offers easy to follow advice.
There is also an annual exhibition, the Lone Worker Safety Expo 2015, held every November at the Olympia Conference Centre in London. This year it takes place on Tuesday 24th November 2015.
Security Measures
Security is clearly a major consideration and there are numerous measures and products available that are specifically designed or suited to lone or vulnerable worker situations.
You should always consult a security professional who will carry out a tailored risk assessment at your premises and produce a security plan bespoke to your needs. This will usually incorporate a number of security measures, which might include:
Access Control: a system that allows only authorised personnel to access given areas.
Door Entry Systems: these give you precise control over who can enter and leave the building.
Electronic Locking Systems: whether you lock in to protect or lock out to prevent unwanted access, these systems can be combined with intruder and fire alarms and CCTV to provide a comprehensive safety net.
Panic Alarms: staff can call for urgent assistance using a panic button, either from another staff member, security or the emergency services.
Lone worker safety is a major issue. Talk to your security consultants and have them tailor you a plan to protect your valued staff. Need a recommendation? Your bookkeepers will be able to guide you in the right direction.
