Lone workers, once a rarity, now constitute a growing segment due to technological advancements and post-pandemic work models.
- Approximately 20% of the workforce in Europe and North America are now considered lone workers.
- A significant 64% of lone workers do not recognise their status, posing safety risks.
- Employers are urged to implement formal lone-worker safety procedures to protect their staff.
- The pandemic accelerated remote work, requiring businesses to adapt their safety policies extensively.
Lone workers have transitioned from being an anomaly to a substantial part of the labour market, driven by technological advancements and evolving work patterns. Approximately 20% of the workforce across Europe and North America now operate without direct supervision.
Despite this increase, many lone workers remain unaware of their status. According to StaySafe, a leading authority on lone worker safety, 64% of such workers fail to identify themselves as lone workers, potentially jeopardising their safety.
Richard Bedworth, VP of Sales at StaySafe, emphasises the employer’s responsibility to ensure workers are aware of their lone worker status and understand existing safety protocols. He highlights the pandemic’s role in expanding lone working practices across diverse industries such as healthcare, engineering, and local government.
The pandemic forced businesses into a predominantly remote working environment, a change initially deemed temporary. However, the enduring shift towards hybrid and remote models underscores the need for businesses to establish comprehensive lone-worker safety strategies.
Employers bear a duty of care to their employees, regardless of location. Formal safety procedures are crucial for mitigating risks associated with remote work, ranging from ergonomic assessments for desk workers to extensive hazard evaluations for field operatives.
Implementing robust policies not only safeguards employees but also fosters enhanced productivity, morale, and staff retention. The importance of such measures cannot be overstated as they provide reassurance of safety and operational continuity.
Adapting to the evolving landscape of lone work is imperative for both employee safety and organisational efficiency.
