LONE WORKER PROTECTION WHEN RISK IS ROUTINE


Half of lone workers avoided a task or location because they felt unsafe. This is a key finding from SoloProtect’s latest Lone Worker Survey, based on responses from 2,500 frontline workers across the UK and Ireland – and it raises important questions about how risk is experienced in day-to-day roles.


As lone working becomes fundamental to many organisations, the reality behind it is often more complex – and sometimes more concerning – than it might first appear. This complexity is particularly apparent when examining the daily experiences of risk, connecting directly to how workers carry out their roles.


WHERE RISK IS PART OF THE JOB


Findings from our latest survey highlight that exposure to risk is not occasional; for many lone workers, it is part of the job.


• 56% experienced verbal or physical abuse in the last 12 months.


• 38% believe their role has become more dangerous over the past three years.


• 20% reported an environmental injury or near-miss while working alone.


For many, these risks are not isolated incidents but recurring challenges. One respondent summed this up clearly: “You expect it now – it’s just part of the job.”


This normalisation of risk is significant. When exposure to aggression or hazardous environments becomes expected, it can influence behaviour in ways that are not always visible through traditional reporting or compliance processes.


Steve Hough, Managing Director of SoloProtect, said: “Lone workers provide vital services across many sectors, and this research shows that exposure to aggression and unpredictable environments remains a reality for many workers who operate alone.


“When workers begin to change how they approach situations, it provides valuable insight into the risks they face day-to-day.”


THE HIDDEN IMPACT: AVOIDANCE AND UNDERREPORTING


The finding that half of lone workers avoid certain tasks or locations has broader implications than it first appears. Avoided visits, shortened interactions, or changes in approach can affect service delivery, productivity, employee confidence, and overall outcomes, creating operational pressure on individuals and organisations.


Alongside this, the survey highlights a persistent issue with incident reporting.


While 64% of respondents reported their last incident of abuse or aggression, more than a third did not. The reasons are telling:


• •


“It wasn’t serious enough.” “Didn’t think anything would change.”


This suggests that in many cases, risk is absorbed into everyday work rather than formally recognised. As a result, organisations may lack visibility into the challenges lone workers face.


26 WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM UNDERSTANDING RISK BEYOND COMPLIANCE


For organisations responsible for managing lone workers, these findings reinforce an important point: safety cannot be measured solely through reported incidents or compliance frameworks. Risk is often experienced in ways that are situational, behavioural, and difficult to quantify.


When workers adapt their behaviour – avoiding locations or approaching tasks differently – it reveals where risk exists in practice. Understanding these experiences is essential for effective lone worker safety strategies.


THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORTING LONE WORKERS


While the survey highlights ongoing challenges, it also demonstrates the positive role that safety technology can play.


• More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents said their safety device provides reassurance.


• Three-quarters (74%) would recommend a lone worker safety solution to others.


While technology does not eliminate risk, findings suggest it provides reassurance, supports faster response in emergencies, and helps workers feel more confident. For many organisations, lone worker devices and monitored solutions are key parts of a broader safety framework, alongside training, policies, and risk assessments.


FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION: EVOLVING SAFETY SOLUTIONS


As lone working continues to evolve, so too must the tools and approaches used to support it. Organisations are increasingly looking for solutions that are simple to deploy, easy for employees to use, and reliable in real- world conditions.


In response to these challenges, SoloProtect has introduced the SoloProtect Mini – a compact, 4G-enabled lone worker safety device designed to deliver essential protection while making it easier for employees to stay connected, get help quickly, and feel safe as they work alone.


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