Lone workers are unique in that they don’t have the typical safety nets or sources of support that many of us take for granted in the workplace. Some roles have more risk than others, but lone workers present a unique challenge for managers.
Their needs and the risks posed to them are unique, and therefore require a different approach to typical employee scenarios.
So, to help you with managing your lone workers, here are some tips to help them to work both safely and productively.
Provide a safe and Clean Working Environment
Special care needs to be taken to ensure that your lone workers have a clean and safe working environment. Hiring a facilities management company will allow you to understand the risks your lone workers face and put in measures to help you manage them. They will also ensure that your lone workers are provided with a workplace that is as clean and safe as possible.
Provide Thorough Training
In a typical workplace, employees will have plenty of people around that they can ask questions of when they are in need of help. Lone workers don’t have this luxury. This is why you need to provide them with as much training as possible, so they can perform their role confidently.
Training is an ongoing process, so don’t forget to provide refreshers to keep them up to date.
Have a constant source of communication available
Your lone works will need help or support at one point or another. Whether it’s an important question, emergency, or some other need, they will need a point of contact who can help. How you go about this is up to you, but you should at least have an on-call support team or staff member who can be available to support your workers.
Make sure these on-call staff members have the training and knowledge they need to provide meaningful support.
Provide Supervision
Another method of support you can offer is supervision. For example, if you have multiple worksites within a certain area where your staff are conducting their work, it may be a good idea to assign them a supervisor. This person will be able to check in on your staff, ensure they perform their work to an appropriate standard, offer any support they may need, and give them some much-needed contact for their mental health.
If you take this approach, be sure to provide your supervisors with all of the tools and training that they will need.
Conclusion
Lone workers shouldn’t be left alone. Follow these tips and you will be taking positive steps to provide them with the best chance to succeed for you and themselves!
