Field service operatives are vital in keeping social housing tenants safe and secure, but are housing associations doing enough to protect them?
Responsible for handling maintenance, inspections and repairs, field-based operatives deal with a lot of pressure in helping to provide livable environments for tenants. In doing so, they are exposed to multiple safety risks.
Fortunately, technology is now able to play a crucial role in safeguarding field service workers, with software that offers an array of features designed to help operatives with their day-to-day maintenance and repairs tasks.
Here, we shine a spotlight on some of the risks they encounter and highlight the essential software solutions your housing association or local authority should have in place.
What safety risks do field service operatives face?
Some of the common risks field service workers encounter include:
- Environmental: Properties may contain potential health risks, such as asbestos, mould or pest infestations.
- Social: Verbal or physical abuse may result from tense relationships between tenants and social housing providers. Resident behaviour can sometimes be unpredictable.
- Physical: Injuries can occur from lifting heavy equipment, operating potentially dangerous machinery or products, and precarious workspaces.
- Lone-working: Often working alone, operatives can be vulnerable without direct supervision or immediate assistance.
How software solutions can enhance safety
Fortunately, housing technology has come a long way. Smart and integrated safety software is now available to ensure housing associations can implement systems that prioritise operative safety.
Let’s take a look at some of the key technology features that help to address the safety concerns field service operatives face.
Real-time tracking
Tracking field-based workers is essential for their safety, so housing associations can find out an operative’s exact location in case of an emergency. Using GPS technology, real-time tracking software ensures that operatives:
- Are safe and sticking to their schedules.
- Feel secure knowing that someone is aware of where they are at all times.
- Can receive assistance in cases of unexpected risk or emergency.
The data obtained from tracking workers can also be used to analyse risky areas or patterns in operational safety concerns.
Risk or hazard alerts
Software should be able to provide automatic alerts about property-specific risks, such as asbestos. This means an operative would receive a warning before they arrive at the property and could plan and prepare accordingly. For example, bringing specialised safety gear when having to deal with hazardous materials that are present.
Detailed descriptions of risks and preemptive information can be critical in keeping operatives safe no matter the circumstances.
Lone worker protection
Housing associations need to ensure that operatives aren’t exposed to undue risk when attending properties by themselves. Good software should be able to identify high-risk locations or individuals, so a second worker can be added to the job.
This means there need to be property risk assessments integrated into scheduling software, with easy scheduling adjustments made to make sure nobody tackles a risky property alone.
This also helps housing associations adhere to compliance and safety guidelines.
Assistance requests
Field-based workers need to have access to a quick and discrete way of requesting help when they feel unsafe. Housing associations should use safety-focused apps that have built-in features such as “Request for Assistance”, which allows workers to notify someone when they feel uncomfortable.
This real-time alert will send the operative’s location to a supervisor, who will then distribute assistance quickly.
Health and safety checks
It’s paramount that social housing providers regularly check that field service operatives are using equipment, vehicles and workspaces that are safe. Health and safety compliance software must enable:
- Routine checks on equipment and vehicles.
- Reminders when equipment needs to be maintained or replaced.
- Checklists for operatives to follow, so they can adhere to safe working practices.
- Record-keeping of safety checks for compliance and accountability.
Software should not only safeguard the workers but also protect a housing association from liability and compliance issues.
Panic button feature
Software that triggers an immediate alert, such as a panic button-style feature, when operatives are in immediate danger is also critical. This sends an instant alert to either the in-office team or emergency services.
A panic button feature could be activated through wearable devices or smartphone applications, protecting field workers when exposed to hostile or life-threatening situations.
How can housing associations benefit from health and safety software features?
Not only are the benefits of software that incorporates health and safety features vital for operatives, but they’re also advantageous to housing associations. Here are some of the main ways social housing providers can benefit from these features:
- Reduction in workplace incidents: Housing associations won’t have to deal with as many workplace incidents, thanks to real-time data and support. Risks in the workplace can be prevented before they occur.
- Improvement in morale among operatives: Workers will be happier and more productive knowing they are protected in the workplace. A boost in job satisfaction will help to create a positive working environment, increasing operative retention and recruitment.
- Streamline communication: Operatives can communicate more effectively thanks to software features such as GPS tracking, panic buttons and assistance requests. This helps housing associations to respond efficiently.
- Enhanced compliance and accountability: Health and safety regulations can be met, while also providing a record of due diligence in worker protection.
Field service operatives working for housing associations know there are physical and social risks related to the job, but with the right technology managing these challenges, they can rest assured knowing they’re well supported.
By investing in and deploying these safety technologies, housing associations not only protect their employees but also demonstrate a commitment to creating a safer working environment. This is beneficial to both their workforce and the residents they serve.
How can ROCC Mobile help?
Ready to take the next step and ensure your housing association is keeping operatives safe while staying compliant with health and safety regulations? ROCC’s digital tools ensure you have access to the latest technology that’s revolutionising the way maintenance and repairs are delivered.
ROCC Mobile, part of our market-leading software, incorporates all of the health and safety features we’ve covered in this article, so you can ensure your field service workers are protected.
At ROCC, we strive to make life easier for you, your operatives and the tenants you serve – each feature we offer to improve health and safety at your organisation is a testament to our dedication to you.
For more information, get in touch with a member of our customer service team today.
