LONE WORKER – RESPONSIBILITIES &
SOLUTIONS
Ian NewbouldSales and Business Development Manager
National Federation of Property Professionals
Agenda• Definition of lone workers, employer’s responsibility
• Hazards at work – few examples
• How to choose lone worker protection services
• What is an ARC – its role and national importance
• Importance of human response
• ARC – secured environment
• BS standards – BS8484 & BS5979
• Importance of URNs
• Managing staff at ARCs
• Conclusion
Who are lone workers?Over 6 million people in the UK work as lone workers.
HSE definition of lone workers:
• Key threats to lone workers, with varying level of risks
• Risk of violence, intimidation
• Occupational risks
• Personal well being risks including health issues
“ An employee who performs an activity that is intended to be carried out in isolation without close or direct supervision. ” Some examples of lone workers are social workers, bailiffs, parking attendants, service engineers, caretakers, builders and forestry workers, estate agents
Threats are stark
• British crime survey 2009/10 reveals:
• 677,000 incidents of violence at work
• 310,000 physical assaults on workers
• 171 people were killed at work
• NHS reported (2010/11)
• Over 57,000 assaults on their staff (up by 1112)
Employer’s responsibility
•Legal obligation – •Health & Safety at Work Act 1974•Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
•Corporate Manslaughter & Homicide Act 2007
•Ever pressing need to comply with Duty of Care •Two corporate prosecutions (SW & Ireland)
•Huge financial loss – e.g. Cotswold fined £385,000
•Directors & line managers can face prosecution, if found negligent.
Real Life Hazards At Work
Community WardenLocal Council
• Attended a scene of disturbance• 2 gangs hurling abuse• Youths became aggressive to a warden• Threatened with a knife
Field EngineerNational Engineering Company
• Attended a refrigeration fault• Secluded and quiet location• Serious shoulder injury after slipping and falling from height
Aggression & violence Accidents
How to choose lwp service?
Source: BSIA
lwp services – amber & red alerts
Questions you should ask yourself• Are you looking after the welfare of your employees
• When was the last time you completed a risk assessment
• Do you need to update and improve your systems and processes
• Are you up to date with legislation and technology
• Does your current system still give the necessary service you and your teams require and your staff deserves
Thank you for your time
Any questions?