The Lone Worker in Ireland, 2010
Why should we talk about Lone Workers? 
It is estimated that 22% of the 31.2million UK working population, that is 6.8 million people are within the lone worker industry. They spend periods of their day outside of direct contact or supervision of their colleagues and management.
As lone workers we are under the responsibility of our employers during our work hours, and the environment in which we work must be as safe as it can be. Our employers have to accept responsibility for lone working safety whether we are in the office, on the shop floor, in a vehicle, in the street or if we knock on someones door to make a home visit.
Lone Working
In businesses and organisations that take a responsible view they will understand that lone workers are especially open to risks which cannot be managed. They will therefore write a Lone Working Policy and work with staff to explain it, make sure it is sensible, and then follow up its implementation to ensure it is being followed. The HSE make a point of checking these policies when they make their visits – and then audit compliance at worker/user level.
Lone Workers Within your Business – Why should them?
We understand that employers are eager to ensure that every member of their team enjoys the peace of mind of being comfortable and safety at work. We are also aware that employers are equally committed to meeting their legal responsibilities relating to lone workers.
Follow the link to find out more on lone worker issues
Lone workers in the news
Are you a lone worker?
The HSE define lone workers as ‘those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision’ The below examples illustrate some of the situations and environments a lone worker may find themselves in;
- People in fixed establishments
- People who work from home
- People working separately from others, eg in factories, warehouses, some research and training establishments, leisure centres or fairgrounds
- People working outside normal hours, eg cleaners and security, production, maintenance or repair staff
- Mobile workers outside of their fixed base
- Agricultural and forestry workers
- Service workers, eg rent collectors, postal staff, social workers, home helps,doctors, district nurses, pest control workers, drivers, engineers, architects,estate agents, sales representatives and similar professionals visiting domesticand commercial premises
More information about lone working
Peoplesafe provide solutions for Lone Worker, Lone Working, Lone Workers throughout Ireland in cities such as Dublin, limerick, Cork, Galway & Waterford. If you would like to discuss your lone working issues please contact us on 0818 333 150 or email sales@rocksure.ie