A survey has found half of lone workers avoid certain tasks due to safety concerns.
Research from lone worker safety provider, SoloProtect, also revealed 56% of lone workers have faced abuse in the last year.
safety concerns among lone workers
The Lone Worker Survey was based on responses from 2,500 frontline workers in the UK and Ireland across sectors including housing, healthcare, charities, and local government.
The survey found aggression, environmental hazards and other occupational risks remain a consistent feature of many lone working roles.
Among those surveyed, 38% believed their roles had become more dangerous over the past three years, whilst 61% reported they had been threatened with a weapon over the past year during the course of their work.
Impact on productivity and service delivery
SoloProtect says if workers avoid tasks due to safety concerns this results in delayed inspections or shortened interactions which can affect service delivery, productivity and the quality of work completed.
It also pointed out how, over time, this can place additional pressure on both employees and managers who may feel they are unable to complete their roles as thoroughly or efficiently as expected.
Steve Hough, Managing Director at 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 feel the need to change how they approach certain situations, this can provide valuable insight into the risks they encounter day-to-day.
“Understanding those experiences is essential if organisations want to strengthen how they support and protect their lone workers.”#
SoloProtect launches new 4G safety device
In response to these challenges, SoloProtect has announced the launch of the SoloProtect Mini.
The device is a compact, 4G-enabled personal safety solution designed to support organisations managing lone and isolated workers as legacy mobile networks are phased out.
The launch comes as UK organisations prepare for major changes to communications infrastructure, including the planned retirement of legacy 2G mobile networks.
Steve Hough added: “At the same time, organisations are having to balance increasing operational pressures with the need to keep employees safe. Lone working is now a fundamental part of many roles, and having reliable, easy-to-use safety solutions in place is critical.
“The SoloProtect Mini complements our existing range by providing a simple, dependable option that supports organisations as communications networks continue to evolve.”
