LONE WORKER – RESPONSIBILITIES & SOLUTIONS John Sobey Regional Branch Manager National Federation of Property Professionals

Agenda Definition of lone workers, employer’s responsibility Hazards at work – few examples How to choose lone worker protection services What is an ARC – its role and national importance Importance of human response ARC – secured environment BS standards – BS8484 & BS5979 Importance of URNs Managing staff at ARCs Conclusion

Who are lone workers? Over 6 million people in the UK work as lone workers. HSE definition of lone workers: Key threats to lone workers, with varying level of risks Risk of violence, intimidation Occupational risks Personal well being risks including health issues “ An employee who performs an activity that is intended to be carried out in isolation without close or direct supervision. ” Some examples of lone workers are social workers, bailiffs, parking attendants, service engineers, caretakers, builders and forestry workers, estate agents

Threats are stark British crime survey 2009/10 reveals: 677,000 incidents of violence at work 310,000 physical assaults on workers 171 people were killed at work NHS reported (2010/11) Over 57,000 assaults on their staff (up by 1112)

Employer’s responsibility Legal obligation – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Corporate Manslaughter & Homicide Act 2007 Ever pressing need to comply with Duty of Care Two corporate prosecutions (SW & Ireland) Huge financial loss – e.g. Cotswold fined £385,000 Directors & line managers can face prosecution, if found negligent.

Real Life Hazards At Work Community Warden Local Council Attended a scene of disturbance 2 gangs hurling abuse Youths became aggressive to a warden Threatened with a knife Field Engineer National Engineering Company Attended a refrigeration fault Secluded and quiet location Serious shoulder injury after slipping and falling from height Aggression & violenceAccidents

How to choose lwp service? Source: BSIA

lwp services – amber & red alerts

Questions you should ask yourself Are you looking after the welfare of your employees When was the last time you completed a risk assessment Do you need to update and improve your systems and processes Are you up to date with legislation and technology Does your current system still give the necessary service you and your teams require and your staff deserves

Thank you for your time Any questions?