COVER STORY


PROTECTING FIELD WORKERS: MITIGATING RISK USING TECHNOLOGY


In an era where duty of care is under the spotlight, organisations must act decisively to identify risks – and mitigate them as far as reasonably practicable, explains Peoplesafe.


Field-based employees are vital across sectors like healthcare, utilities, housing, and transport. Whether it’s a social worker visiting clients at home or a technician repairing infrastructure in remote locations, these individuals often operate alone – without direct supervision, colleague support, or rapid access to help in emergencies.


We’re increasingly aware that protecting these frontline and lone workers is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.


UNDERSTANDING THE RISK LANDSCAPE While fieldwork isn’t inherently dangerous, the lack of immediate support increases the severity of incidents. A structured risk framework, such as the PET model (People, Environment, and Task), helps employers systematically identify and manage risks.


People-based risks Interactions with individuals – whether clients, patients, or the general public – can be unpredictable.


Field workers may face aggression, resistance, or confusion, particularly when engaging with vulnerable individuals or those under stress, or the influence of drugs or alcohol. Employers must consider: • Who are workers likely to encounter? • Are those individuals confrontational or potentially unstable?


• Will their presence be welcomed?


Environmental risks Work location significantly impacts safety. Hazards may arise in clients’ homes, isolated areas, or hazardous sites. Employers should assess: •


• Are exits clear and accessible? •


Is the location familiar or poorly lit? Is there reliable mobile connectivity?


• Could weather or terrain increase danger?


Understanding the physical environment allows organisations to foresee and mitigate location-based risks before they escalate.


Task-based risks Certain jobs are inherently hazardous (e.g. working with machinery, lifting heavy items, or driving between sites). The risk multiplies when done alone. Critical questions include: • Does the task involve physical exertion or dangerous equipment?


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• Could something go wrong requiring immediate assistance?


• Is travel between locations involved?


By examining the task itself, employers can determine where extra layers of protection are needed.


TURNING INSIGHT INTO ACTION Knowing the risks is only half the job. Mitigating them requires ongoing commitment and practical solutions. Employers must carry out structured, detailed risk assessments. These should be revisited regularly – at least annually, or after significant changes.


Once risks are identified, workers need clear procedures to follow. These should include emergency response steps, check-in systems, and open channels for reporting hazards. A strong reporting culture helps prevent repeat incidents.


Technology plays a crucial role in mitigating risk. Lone worker solutions via apps or dedicated devices, such as those provided by Peoplesafe, allow employees to raise alarms in emergencies with GPS tracking and professional monitoring.


This technology doesn’t just offer protection; it boosts worker confidence, enhances wellbeing, and demonstrates an employer’s commitment to safety.


Even the best tools are ineffective without training. Workers need guidance on handling confrontation, using PPE, and operating safety devices under pressure. Encourage dynamic risk assessments, empowering employees to adapt on the spot when conditions change.


Health and safety, as you know, is not a box-ticking exercise: it’s an ongoing process. Regularly review incidents, update assessments, and keep pace with emerging technologies. Learning from the past is the key to preventing future harm.


Frontline and field workers face a unique combination of human, environmental, and task-related risks. But these risks are manageable with the right approach.


By conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing strong protocols, and investing in the right safety technology, organisations can offer genuine protection to their highest-risk employees.


It’s not just about compliance – it’s about compassion, culture, and commitment. Because no one working alone should ever feel unsupported.


https://peoplesafe.co.uk WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM


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