PPC116 | Health and Safety

Lone working is a common yet often overlooked aspect of the modern workforce. We asked the BPCA Quest team to provide us with guidance on how to ensure lone worker safety for pest professionals. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines lone workers as those who work by themselves without direct supervision. Lone workers are essential for various sectors and industries, including pest control.

This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re isolated; they could work in close proximity to the public but still not receive immediate support from their colleagues or supervisors.

With an estimated 22% of the UK working population fitting into this category, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with lone working is critical.

The annual British Crime Survey has also highlighted a troubling statistic – up to 150 lone workers are physically and verbally abused on a daily basis, making it imperative for employers to take serious measures to protect their staff.

Who are lone workers?

Lone workers are found across a multitude of industries and roles. They include:

Premises-based workers are those who work alone in environments such as units, workshops, factories, warehouses, offices and leisure centres. Despite being within a controlled setting, the absence of colleagues poses serious risks.

Remote workers that work from home represent a significant portion of lone workers. Their isolation can lead to unique challenges, including ergonomic risks and a lack of immediate support.

Mobile workers such as engineers, construction workers, estate agents, postal workers, domestic carers and cleaners often work away from a fixed base, facing varied environments and potential hazards.

Out-of-hours workers, for example, security guards, are particularly vulnerable due to the times and locations of their duties, often in environments that are not secure.

What are the risks?

Lone workers face a range of risks – many of which are heightened by the solitary nature of their working conditions. These are:

Physical and verbal assault
Workers who are alone – especially those interacting with the public or performing tasks that cause disruption, are at an increased risk of physical and verbal abuse. Road maintenance and utility workers often encounter hostility from the general public.

Medical emergencies
If a lone worker faints, becomes unconscious, or experiences a sudden illness, the absence of colleagues can delay critical medical intervention.

Accidents
Lone workers are at risk of work-related accidents, road incidents or slips, trips and falls. The lack of immediate assistance can exacerbate the severity of these incidents.

The case of Suzy Lamplugh, an estate agent who disappeared in 1986 after meeting a prospective client alone, underscores the extreme dangers lone workers can face. Her unsolved case remains a sobering reminder of the risks and vulnerabilities posed by lone working situations.

So, what do employers need to do?

Remote workers’ needs

Remote workers, who often operate from home, face different but equally significant challenges. Employers must take specific steps to support these employees:

Assess home environments to ensure they meet health and safety standards. This includes evaluating the ergonomic setup of workstations and ensuring electrical equipment is safe and regularly tested.

Combat isolation by encouraging remote workers to visit the office periodically, participate in virtual meetings and engage in regular check-ins with their supervisors. Isolation can result in mental health issues such as loneliness, stress and fatigue. 

Provide necessary equipment to remote workers so that they can perform their jobs safely and efficiently. This includes providing appropriate chairs, desks and proper lighting.

Train and develop opportunities for remote workers continuously. This enables them to remain connected to the organisation and up-to-date with the latest industry practices and safety protocols.

Communicate regularly with standardised routines, including scheduled video calls, emails and phone check-ins. This helps remote workers feel supported and ensures any issues are promptly addressed.

Monitor workload and stress levels of remote workers. This is achieved through regular one-on-one meetings where employees can discuss workloads and any challenges they face.

Outline emergency procedures for remote workers, such as steps to take in case of medical emergencies, equipment failures or other urgent and pressing situations.

Employer responsibilities

Employers have a statutory duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of lone workers. Here are the critical steps you should take to achieve this:

Actively engage with lone workers to understand the specific risks they face. This dialogue helps in creating effective safety measures tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

A comprehensive lone working policy should include your business’s commitment to safety, identification of those at risk, potential hazards, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. It should also outline accident reporting procedures and emergency contacts.

Provide training and support is crucial for lone workers. This includes training in conflict resolution, safety, and – where relevant, self-defence techniques. In addition, providing scenario-based training can prepare workers for potential threats.

Personal protection devices such as personal alarms, GPS trackers and mobile phones should be deployed with your lone workers. These can help them call for help quickly in emergencies and enable supervisors to track their location.

Implement a buddy system in which lone workers are paired up with a colleague who checks in on them at regular intervals. These systems ensure that someone is always aware of the lone worker’s status and location. There should also be procedures for escalating the issue if contact is lost.

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards. These assessments should be thorough and involve input from lone workers to ensure all risks are considered.

Promoting a culture that prioritises safety is crucial. This involves regular safety meetings, open communication channels, and encouraging workers to report hazards without fear of reprisal.

“Workers who are alone – especially those interacting with the public or performing tasks that cause disruption, are at an increased risk of physical and verbal abuse.”

Mental health support

Mental health is a critical aspect of lone and remote working that employers must not overlook. The isolation inherent in these roles can lead to various mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Employers should:

Promote mental health awareness by encouraging discussion, and provide resources for employees to seek help when needed.

Offer counselling services to your workforce or employee assistance programmes (EAPs) to support those dealing with mental health issues.

Promote a healthy work-life balance by establishing clear boundaries for work hours, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks from work.

Create support networks where employees can share experiences with their peers and support each other.