Lone working has been on the rise for a number of years. As discussed by Health & Safety Matters, lone workers now make up 20% of the workforce (that’s around 8 million workers in the UK). That’s without including the so-called ‘hidden’ lone workers, which we’ll explain in a moment. 

This change introduces significant safety challenges, from environmental hazards to the risk of health emergencies. As such, taking robust measures to protect employees working alone or in remote or hazardous environments is critical.  

This article explores why lone working is on the rise, examines the risks involved, and highlights how lone working solutions can safeguard staff. 

The Rise of Lone Working 

Traditionally, those most likely to work alone were healthcare workers, social workers, estate agents, security personnel, and individuals working in the transport sector. Other sectors where it’s common include construction, manufacturing, utilities, other industrial plants, retail and hospitality.  

However, due to the growth of remote work, automation technologies and the gig economy, the term applies a lot more broadly. Many organisations now operate on leaner structures, requiring staff to perform roles independently in remote or high-risk areas.  

Rising operating costs have prompted businesses to reduce their office spaces, further contributing to the remote work trend. In fact, research by insurance broking and risk management firm Gallagher showed that 21% of UK businesses were making plans to move to smaller offices after the pandemic, and 37% were considering shared office spaces.  

The UK’s Hidden Lone Workers 

Health & Safety Matters reports that the UK has an estimated 5 million hidden lone workers – staff that may not seem to meet the criteria at first glance, but are in fact working out of sight, earshot and reach of other staff.  

A lone worker does not have to be entirely alone to be defined as that. For example, their role may require them to work away from other staff on a part time basis.  

They may travel alone at night, or perhaps they work in the same site/building as other staff but are isolated. In fact, the HSE even defines home workers as lone workers. And what about on-site workers that are now alone due to their colleagues working remotely?     

Gaining clarity on these definitions is the first step in ensuring that all staff at risk due to isolation get the protection they need.  

What Risks Are Associated with Lone Working? 

Health Emergencies 

Without immediate assistance, minor health issues or injuries can escalate into critical situations. During more severe incidents or emergencies, raising the alarm or accessing help can be difficult without colleagues nearby. 

Workplace Violence 

HSE reported 649,000 incidents of violence at work in 2022/23. This included 360,000 threats and 288,000 assaults, 41% of which resulted in injury. Of course, lone workers are more at risk with nobody present to intervene, especially those in public-facing or in enforcement roles.    

Environmental Hazards 

Working in isolated areas can expose employees to unpredictable conditions such as extreme weather or unstable structures. Then there are gas leaks, chemical spills, etc., which may affect industrial workers.  

Other Hazards 

Trips, slips, working at height, electrocution, and hazards relating to machinery affect a wide range of workers. Outdoor workers may face additional risks due to working near water or with livestock. And for those working long hours, there’s the risk of fatigue – which is especially dangerous for drivers or those working with machinery. 

Psychological Strain 

The isolation of lone working can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, or even depression, impacting both mental health and job performance. 

What Laws Relate to Lone Working?  

In the UK, employers must consider:  

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 

• The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 

Employers have to provide the same level of protection for lone workers as other employees. This involves including lone workers in your general risk assessment and establishing whether lone working is acceptable.  

In some cases, it’s considered too unsafe and close or direct supervision must be implemented. Examples listed by HSE include working in confined spaces; in this scenario, a supervisor must be present, with someone else assigned to the rescue role.  

It’s also prohibited in diving operations; when workers are near exposed live electricity conductors; during fumigation; and in vehicles carrying explosives.  

In situations where the level of risk is deemed acceptable, a lone worker policy must be implemented, which stipulates the rules surrounding lone working and how employees are safeguarded.  

There’s no upper limit on fines that HSE can impose. In some cases, employers can face prison sentences.  

According to HSE, companies employing gig workers or working with self-employed contractors or volunteers have the same duty of care.  

How Can Technology Protect Lone Workers?  

To address these challenges, organisations are increasingly turning to technology. In fact, research by Berg Insight shows that the European market for lone worker safety solutions is expected to have grown at a CAGR of 7.4% between 2022 and 2027, reaching 1.4 million users. In North America, the total number of users is due to reach 935,000 by the end of the forecast period (almost double the 2022 figure of 505,000). 

These systems combine the latest technologies with robust communication networks to provide comprehensive safety support.  

Among the most effective tools include alarm monitoring software that receives alerts from lone worker apps and devices. It then transmits them to Alarm Receiving Centres so that the dispatch of emergency services or alternative responses can be promptly initiated.  

Key Features of an Effective Lone Worker Solution 

An ideal lone worker system incorporates features that enable swift response, real-time monitoring, and seamless communication. Here are the features that our own solution, GeminiSense, has to offer.   

Fast and Accurate Location Tracking 

Real-time GPS tracking is crucial for monitoring the whereabouts of lone workers, especially in large, remote or hazardous areas. Accurate location data ensures that assistance can be dispatched without delay, minimising response times during emergencies. 

Automatic Voice Call Activation and Logging 

In high-stress situations, manually initiating a lone worker alarm can be impractical. Our solution automatically answers and logs voice calls, allowing an operator to monitor the situation in real time, ensuring rapid intervention when required. 

Operator Listen-In Feature 

This enables the operator to listen in discreetly to assess the severity of an alert. It’s especially valuable in scenarios where the worker cannot speak freely, such as during a confrontation or medical emergency. 

Automated SOS Messaging 

An SOS alert function ensures that critical information, including the worker’s location, voice recording, and alert message, is transmitted immediately from lone worker devices. This ensures that help is mobilised quickly and effectively. 

High Priority Alarm Notifications 

Alerts are treated with the urgency they demand, ensuring they bypass routine notifications to reach response teams immediately. This prioritisation is vital for minimising response times and mitigating risks. 

Overcoming Challenges in Lone Worker Safety 

Technology offers robust solutions, but there are some other challenges that organisations must address to maximise safety outcomes. Here are some common hurdles. 

Connectivity Issues 

Remote areas often have poor network coverage, making it essential to choose devices with offline capabilities or satellite integration.  

User Resistance 

Workers may initially resist using monitoring devices, perceiving them as invasive. (This may be especially true of those who don’t consider themselves as lone workers as per the traditional definition.) Clear communication about the purpose of these tools – emphasising safety rather than surveillance – is crucial. 

Adapting to Changing Circumstances 

Use flexible, scalable solutions that can adapt to changing needs and increasing numbers of users.   

More Tips to Ensure Lone Worker Safety 

Implementing lone worker safety solutions is just one part of a comprehensive safety strategy. What else can be done? Organisations should: 

• Conduct risk assessments: Frequently evaluate the risks associated with lone working roles to tailor safety measures accordingly. 

• Be prepared for extreme weather: Considering the rise in extreme weather events, organisations should include this in their risk assessments and take proactive steps to protect staff.   

• Establish clear communication channels and protocols: Ensure that lone workers can easily reach supervisors or response teams at all times, and schedule regular check-ins at pre-agreed intervals.  

• Mental health support: For those with pre-existing mental health conditions, you may need to make accommodations as per the Equality Act 2010.   

• Regularly review and update policies: As workplace dynamics and technologies change, so should safety protocols. 

Conclusion 

As lone working becomes a common element of modern workplaces, ensuring the safety of employees operating in isolation or hazardous conditions is becoming more critical. With lone worker safety solutions, organisations can provide their staff with the protection they need to perform their roles with assurance.  

GeminiSense is built on world class event transmission technology, ensuring alarm signals rapidly reach their intended recipient. Our alarm monitoring system also works seamlessly with Internet of Things technology and can transmit alerts from virtually any sensor or device. 

To learn more about our lone worker module – or any other features – contact us today to request a demo.