LONE WORKER PROTECTION APP-LYING TECHNOLOGY
How can employers ensure that personal risk is minimalised and that in the event of an emergency staff are adequately protected 24/7, asks Peoplesafe.
For lone workers, the risk to personal safety is very real – whether visiting people’s homes, working out of regular office hours, travelling, attending callouts, working remotely, or operating solo from a business premises.
Lone working is defined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as work carried out by people who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. If an employee cannot be seen or heard by a colleague, they are a lone worker – whether that be for all or part of their working day.
While lone workers may face many of the same hazards at work as any other employee, there is a greater risk of these hazards causing harm as they may not have anyone to help or support them if things go wrong.
Employers have a duty of care towards their staff to provide a safe environment for them to work in. Many occupations require their employees to work independently and without the safety net of an immediately accessible wider team. So, how can employers ensure that personal risk is minimalised and that in the event of an emergency staff are adequately protected 24/7?
LONE WORKER TECHNOLOGY
Lone worker services are accredited solutions that are specifically designed to ensure the safety of employees working alone and act quickly in an emergency.
Lone working apps, as opposed to devices, are increasing in popularity. According to the Berg Report, the share of workers using app-based solutions rose to 51% in 2024 which is a significant landmark as app usage overtakes those using a dedicated device. This trend is expected to continue, and by 2029, the share is forecasted to reach 56% of the lone worker user base in Europe.
Apps offer a cost-effective alternative to dedicated devices with no hardware costs. They can be installed on most smartphones and easily updated when a new version or feature is released. Large organisations can easily roll apps out at scale to offer protection to people quickly.
Beyond the workplace, many apps offer 24/7 protection, extending safety coverage to the commute, exercising and other personal activities. These apps can seamlessly integrate into daily routines, enhancing overall safety and giving peace of mind, whether people are at work or on their own time.
ENHANCED RISK MITIGATION COVERAGE
Lone worker apps provide increased risk profile coverage by integrating with other technologies, such as smart watches, body worn cameras and dashcams. It combines the convenience of a mobile app with the functionality of specialised hardware.
Safety while commuting and travelling is an increasingly important risk for employers to address. Knowing that
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people have arrived safely – at work, to a meeting or back home – is made possible by combining route planning and alarm technology, offering 24/7 journey protection.
Roaming SIM technology has often presented lone worker devices an edge over its app counterpart, particularly when signal strength is a known risk. With the inclusion of eSIM technology, lone worker apps can give users the same signal reliability.
BENEFITS
Investing in a lone worker service can have several benefits. Not only will employers be meeting their duty of care, but staff will feel safer at work and more valued as an employee, helping to reduce staff turnover and the associated costs with recruitment.
Whatever solution is provided, it is critical that the service behind it is accredited to the latest industry standards and available around the clock. Reviewing alarm response capabilities of any employee safety service is essential for ensuring they can deliver an immediate response when needed.
For many, ‘the workplace’ is no longer a fixed location: it could be a vehicle, the kitchen, or a shared work hub. The workplace is evolving at an accelerated rate and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the entire workforce is essential to businesses. It’s no longer reserved for the most high-risk.
https://peoplesafe.co.uk
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