Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Guest
While lone worker safety is definitely not a new issue, it is an area that’s constantly evolving. Employers recognize the practical importance of providing their employees with a safe workplace, while employees also demand more. Luckily, we’re seeing various trends emerging to facilitate a higher degree of safety, from wearable safety devices to an increased focus on mental well-being.
Wearable devices
Wearable devices have advanced massively in recent years, and increasingly we’re seeing them adopted to increase lone-worker safety. These devices can facilitate various functions, from satellite communication for remote areas to GPS tracking and fall detection.
They can also track vital signs, such as heart rate and blood oxygen, to give employers a high level of insight into the health of their employees when they’re in dangerous situations.
Apps
Another trend that’s rising in popularity is using lone worker apps. These kinds of apps provide many of the same functions as the wearable devices mentioned above but can be integrated into an employee’s existing smartphone.
This comes with many benefits. First, it generally works out cheaper for employers, as they only need to purchase the software, not the hardware as well. Second, it also tends to be a preferable solution for employees, as they don’t need to learn to use and carry around a whole other device besides their phone.
Virtual check-ins
While it’s all very well monitoring someone’s location, this hard data shows little about how the employee is actually doing in many cases. As a result, one emerging trend in lone worker safety is to encourage virtual check-ins via lone worker apps. Whether a quick phone or a video call, these check-ins allow employees to voice any safety concerns and provide more detailed updates on their well-being.
Advanced, real-time risk management
While traditionally, risk assessments were carried out every now and then to allow employers to predict what might happen. Things have moved up a notch. With advanced monitoring technology and analytic tools powered by artificial intelligence, employers can now make real-time predictions about the issues their employees might face in the field. In volatile environments, this can make a massive difference in how effective efforts are to mitigate those risks.
Mental well-being
While many of the trends above are related to physical health, employers increasingly realize that their employees’ mental well-being is generally just as important.
Lone workers can often be required to spend a lot of time in isolated, stressful environments, and it’s essential that they receive appropriate support to deal with the mental effects. Whether through counseling services or training courses, a focus on mental health benefits both employer and employee.
These are just a few of the positive trends we’re seeing emerge concerning lone worker safety. As lone workers spend time in such a wide variety of environments, it’s important for employers to look at trends that are specifically relevant to their industry to ensure that they’re doing all they possibly can to protect their workforce.