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LONE WORKER PROTECTION


ISOLATION ON THE ROAD


With around 64% of lone workers facing certain levels of physiological distress, Simon Turner, Campaign Manager at Driving for Better Business, looks at the effects of loneliness on this often overlooked part of the workforce.


COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of society – not just growing concerns for the health and safety of society but also the wellbeing of employees. The pandemic has raised a number of mental health issues, especially within a society that is now predominantly made up of isolated individuals working alone.


Loneliness has always been a struggle for lone workers, in fact the 2019 State of Remote Work report highlighted that 19% of remote workers note their biggest struggle is loneliness. In the current climate this statistic is expected to increase with a growing number of remote workers across the county – both those working from home and those commercial operators driving long hours with little to no social interaction. A study by The Mental Health Foundation in partnership with Strathclyde, University of Cambridge, Swansea University and Queen’s University Belfast found that one in four adults have felt lonely during the lockdown.


Loneliness can have a significant impact on physical, mental and cognitive health, causing a number of issues such as; anxiety, depression and insomnia. Research by the British Occupational Health Research Foundation found that up to 64% of employees that class as lone workers face certain levels of physiological distress. While a study by CV-library found that over 42% of employees surveyed believe that the isolation and loneliness associated with lone working can compromise their mental health.


Not only are lone workers facing potential mental health issues but those working at maximum capacity are met with challenges of fatigue and exhaustion – largely affecting individuals’ abilities. This is particularly an issue for those who drive for work.


SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR DRIVERS AND ITS


IMPACT ON MENTAL WELLBEING Commercial vehicle drivers are used to some level of isolation, as many travel alone – for example last mile delivery drivers as well as those in the transport and logistics sector. However, lockdown and social distancing measures have amplified levels of isolation. Drivers are no longer interacting with homeowners or with fellow employees at the depot, resulting in longer hours of lone working with no social interaction.


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Additionally, an increase in demand for essential drivers along with temporary relaxations regarding drivers’ hours has heightened the issue. Drivers working at capacity are vulnerable to fatigue and increased stress levels, as well as financial and health concerns associated with the current pandemic. Not only does this effect their mental wellbeing but also their reaction times, concentration, and productivity – putting themselves and others on the road at risk.


Fatigue and exhaustion can be brought about by a number of challenges, for example workers trying to keep up with the increase in demand and as a result feeling pressure to forego breaks and continue


“Drivers working at capacity are vulnerable to fatigue and increased stress levels, as well as financial and health concerns associated with the current pandemic.”


working. Both stress and fatigue can significantly impact one’s mental wellbeing, increasing the likelihood of anxiety and depression, and employers play an important role in helping to protect their workers wellbeing.


ENSURING LONE WORKER WELLBEING All employers have a responsibility to protect the


health of their employees, and that includes mental health, especially during the current climate where the number of lone workers is increased. Many successful employers view the evaluation and monitoring of workers mental health as a key part of their duty of care and the first step to combating the negative impact of isolation. Employers should be looking to identify workers facing mental health issues as well as ensuring the support on offer is communicated as part of a lone worker policy – this should include the risks of lone working and the company’s commitment to dealing with it.


Taking mental health in the workplace seriously is a vital part of making employees feel valued and


www.tomorrowshs.com


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