Working alone has always been a very common practice in the verticals of real estate, healthcare, aged care and many other industries. However, it is a fact that it comes with high risks, and lone workers need to be ready to deal with distressing situations that may arise as a result of an accident, an emergency or violent behaviour. These are known as moments of duress. A threat, violence, constraints or another similar action is used to force a person into doing something against their will.
A clear lone working safety policy can alleviate the anxiety and stress that some lone workers may feel when going to meet an individual they don’t know in a new location.
In some countries, lone worker regulations and laws are raising awareness that businesses need to provide employees with devices and technologies that can keep them connected to safety resources. Protecting lone workers arises unique challenges, even in this era of permanent connectivity. Many devices, such as gas detectors, have connectivity features designed to send information from a worker back to on site safety personnel. Even though connectivity features are a enormous step forward in protecting our vulnerable workers, not all lone worker technologies deliver the protection they need.
Workers who act alone in unpredictable situations face unique risks. They do not have managers or colleagues around to offer help. Their location remains unknown at times. There may be no witnesses to see what happened during an event or incident.
Having the adequate safety tools and protocols is key for lone workers. There are several options available on the market, but not all safety products work as smoothly as they should. When selecting a lone worker safety technology, make sure you invest in a top-notch solution for your workers.
Research the location as well as the client
Conducting a risk assessment before visiting a new environment or a new client ensures that anyone working alone will be aware of potential hazards and risks, and these can be mitigated prior to leaving the workplace.
This review involves a thorough understanding of the client, but also includes any known history of aggression or psychological concerns, as well as an assessment of the environment and place at which the meeting will take place, which can also have risks such as animals, misused items or defensive individuals.
An all-in-one integrated solution
Several lone worker technologies on the market nowadays can provide GPS tracking or a panic button. Also a man down alert or gas detection with live monitoring.
However, lone workers usually require all of these features in one single device. When deciding about a device to connect lone workers to safety, think of a solution that provides them all the tools they require in one single package.
Help notifications with mobile apps and other alerts
How do lone workers make calls for help in the event of an emergency situation? Some alert systems such as apps send text notifications. Some other systems need another person to actually make a direct call to the emergency phone number. Neither of these approaches can ensure that the notification is received with certainty and acted on in a timely manner. If you do not make sure that alerts are sent quickly, received and acted upon, you are taking a risk.
Make sure you look for a system or lone worker app that delivers all 3 assurances, even if the application is not actively running. This gives your workers security that other products cannot.
Make sure you select a technology that will swiftly place the emergency call, without relying on a third party to do it.
Duress lone worker alarms
A duress alarm is a device worn on a belt clip, that can signal for help in an emergency event. Some duress lone worker alarms use an automatic response and can send a text-based alert to a portal, which is managed by the security and safety team.
Lone workers are presented with a different level of risk because they may not be able to get support or immediate assistance from others.
Sentrient's online course for working alone is all about helping employers to educate and raise awareness for its employees, contractors and volunteers.
