More than six million people in the UK work either in isolation or without direct supervision, often in places or circumstances that place them at potential risk.
Given the wide range of solutions currently available to protect lone workers, choosing a supplier can be difficult.
Fortunately, the BSIA operates a dedicated Lone Worker Industry Group, bringing together suppliers of lone worker protection solutions, manufacturers of lone worker devices and representatives of lone workers at Alarm Receiving Centres.
That body of knowledge has compiled a one-page guide for end users of lone worker services to make the selection and purchasing process much simpler.
Covering areas such as the assessment and mitigation of risk, and what to look for in a potential supplier, the guide also provides essential, easy-to-understand information on the more complex topics of British Standards, Alarm Receiving Centres and ensuring police response.
Helping employers make the right move
Alex Carmichael, technical director at the BSIA and co-author of the guide, explained: “Buying a lone worker service can be confusing as there are many providers, devices and monitoring options available, as well as many considerations to ponder before you start. This guide provides step-by-step information to help employers make the right moves and to procure a lone worker service that best suits their business.”
The guide will be useful for businesses employing lone workers – who are often required to work away from an office environment or outside of normal working hours – and will help companies to fulfil their obligations under Duty of Care legislation.
“The financial repercussions of neglect of Duty of Care can be significant,” urged Carmichael, “and, in some cases, far outweigh the cost of implementing a lone worker protection system. We hope that the BSIA’s new buyers’ guide will help companies starting off on this journey to consider all the options available and make the right choice of supplier.”
The guide can be downloaded direct from the BSIA website
Further information on lone worker protection can be found on the dedicated Lone Worker online pages
