One-stop-shop for lone workers

‘Lone Workers should be at no greater risk than other employees’ according to The Health and Safety Executive guidance. However, as the level of risk to the safety, security and wellbeing of employees can all be increased by lone working, how do organisations ensure that they are fulfilling their responsibilities?

Help is at hand for those who aren’t sure where to start (or want to check best practice), in the form of the Lone Worker Safety ExpoConference, an interactive educational event with access to experts in the field and selected providers of lone worker solutions.

Nicole Vazquez, organiser and host told us “Last year was extremely well received with the level of positive feedback being overwhelming. It seems that we hit just the right note, with our combination of education and interaction”. The event returns to The King’s Fund, Central London, on 15^thOctober.

This year will be opened by Barbara Hockey, Head of the Vulnerable Workers Team, HSE. Nicole comments “We are thrilled that the HSE are engaging with the Lone Worker conversation. Their input is vital, helping to ensure that organisations recognise the importance of managing the specific risks that affect remote or isolated workers. The HSE will also share some exciting news at the event”. 

The main conference sees speakers discussing issues such as practical risk mitigation, current security risks and mental health implications of lone working. Duncan Spencer, Head of Advice and Practice for IOSH will be sharing insights from IOSH’s research and joining the expert panel for a discussion on how to engage lone workers and senior management in the risk control conversation. 

The morning will be rounded off with an inspirational presentation from Jason Anker MBE and Prof. Tim Marsh who will be sharing Jason’s story and exploring ways to protect individual’s mental health and wellbeing. 

An afternoon of interactive workshops includes a case study from Sean Elson, Pinsent Masons LLP, looking at the implications of organisations not fulfilling their legal responsibilities and a very practical session from CMA Training on reducing personal safety risks when travelling. 

With statistics showing that violence against staff is on the increase in most sectors, the team from Worthwhile Training will invite delegates to take part in a drama-based workshop, looking at innovative ways to train staff with skills to defuse aggression and protect themselves. 

Throughout the day there will be plenty of opportunities to network and chat to a small group of trusted providers who supply a variety of lone worker solutions, including training, dedicated devices and smartphone apps.

Nicole sums up, “Our aim is to make this the event that people attend for advice and guidance on all things lone working – a one-stop-shop so to speak. Although lone working is now on most organisations’ agenda, it still seems that a lot of people are not looking at the breadth of the risks, or if they are, there is still confusion about the best way to manage both the risks and lone workers themselves”.

“We are hoping that managers, safety professionals and those responsible for lone workers will take this opportunity to engage with experts in the field. The day is interactive from the very beginning, so if you are going to attend, please come along armed with questions”.