Lone Working: How to Protect Those Working Alone

Lone working is a common practice in the housing sector, as mobile operatives responsible for repairs and maintenance will often work independently. While there are many benefits to this approach, such as enhanced flexibility and efficiency, it does present some unique challenges that housing associations need to address.

Worker safety and wellbeing are a necessity, especially for those working alone. Not only is it a regulatory requirement, but it’s also an important aspect of creating a supportive working environment. 

In this article, we explore what a lone worker is and the risks they face, before sharing some top tips on how to support them. Plus, we will also discuss how ROCC Mobile can help social housing providers ensure the safety of their mobile operatives working alone.

What is a lone worker?

Lone workers are employees who perform their job without direct supervision or immediate assistance from colleagues. At housing associations, this usually applies to repairs and maintenance operatives (and other field-based staff) who visit properties by themselves to carry out work and inspections.

Lone workers in the housing sector could encounter the risk of physical attack, verbal abuse and medical emergencies. In some instances, operatives may find themselves working in isolated areas or unfamiliar environments, which means they are even more vulnerable to certain risks.

What are the risks of lone working?

In the world of social housing, lone working presents several possible hazards. Every day, lone workers are exposed to these dangers, which is why housing associations need to safeguard their operatives from the following risks.

• Physical injuries: Lifting heavy equipment, working at heights and handling potentially dangerous tools can all lead to accidents. When immediate assistance isn’t available, minor injuries can quickly become more severe, such as those resulting from slips and falls.
• Environmental hazards: Extreme weather conditions, poorly maintained properties and hazardous materials can all be harmful. Diverse working environments add to this risk.
• Violence and aggression: Interacting with residents under stressful circumstances can sometimes lead to confrontational situations. Physical attacks are more common than you think, especially when dealing with vulnerable tenants. 
• Delayed emergency response: In the event of an accident or emergency, the absence of nearby colleagues can result in delayed assistance, potentially worsening outcomes.
• Mental health challenges: Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress and anxiety. Without regular interaction, lone workers may feel disconnected from their teams and unsupported in their roles. Plus, managing intense workloads and personal safety precautions without support can lead to burnout over time.

How to support your lone workers

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of lone workers requires a multifaceted approach from housing associations. It’s a regulatory necessity and helps to create a working environment that values every team member.

• Risk assessments: Housing associations should conduct thorough evaluations of the tasks and working conditions lone workers are exposed to. Assessments must be conducted regularly to check any changes in work environments.
• Clear policies and procedures: Comprehensive lone working policies should be introduced to outline safety protocols, emergency procedures and communication expectations. All housing association staff must be familiar with these, not just lone workers.
• Training and education: Training on areas such as hazard recognition, conflict de-escalation and emergency response needs to be conducted. This equips lone workers with the knowledge to handle risk effectively. Supervision and monitoring should also be provided.
• Regular check-ins: Systems that facilitate quick and easy communication must be implemented, such as scheduled calls or digital check-ins. This will help to track operative safety and provide support when needed.
• Technology solutions: Safety devices and mobile applications should be utilised to allow lone workers to send alerts, share their locations and access assistance quickly. This means that office-based staff and other mobile operatives are kept up-to-date with the latest developments.

How ROCC Mobile can help

Supporting your lone workers will enhance their morale and wellbeing, increase productivity, prevent accidents and ensure you’re compliant. The best way of achieving these results is to partner with ROCC.

We offer tailored software solutions designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of mobile operatives and other lone workers in the social housing sector. A big component of our software offering is ROCC Mobile, which ensures your field service workers are protected.

This platform provides real-time job management, allowing operatives to receive updates, access property information and communicate effectively with their teams.

Some of its key features include:

• Integrated safety protocols: ROCC’s system supports the implementation of safety checklists and procedures, ensuring that operatives follow best practices during their tasks. It also sets reminders for routine checks on equipment and vehicles, and when equipment needs to be maintained or replaced.
• Additional protection: Automatically identifies high-risk locations or individuals, so a second worker is added to the job to provide support. Lone worker check-in processes and panic notifications make supervisors and managers aware of what is happening with their workers in real time. 
• Real-time safety: GPS tracking both in and outside the van allows organisations to monitor the real-time location of lone workers, to see where they are and, more importantly, how they are.
• Data analytics: By collecting and analysing data on job completion times, incident reports and other metrics, ROCC helps organisations identify areas for improvement and enhance overall safety strategies.

With the help of ROCC Mobile, you can ensure your lone workers are protected and feel secure. If you’re ready to embrace our advanced mobile solutions, you can move one step closer to minimising the risks lone working presents. 

Get in touch with a member of our customer service team to revolutionise the way maintenance and repairs are delivered at your housing association. Start prioritising your lone workers today.

For more guidance and advice for employers and those who work without close or direct supervision, read the Health and Safety Executive’s Lone Working guide.

Further reading: Health and Safety Software: Keeping Field Service Operatives Safe