Remote workers, lone workers and home workers
Lone and remote workers form a significant portion of the UK business landscape. This number is only increasing, with nearly 20% of the workforce regularly working from home.
While it might be tempting to attribute the rising figure to the COVID-19 work restrictions, it has been steadily increasing since the 1990s. In fact, the ‘trend’ is such a popular one that the UK government laid out plans to allow all workers the right to request remote work in 2019.
The difference between remote and lone workers
Remote work is an emerging topic of interest for workers and employers alike all around the globe. The term refers to workers who do not work in a brick-and-mortar office, but rather work wherever suits them best. Many remote workers might create a home office, while others might decide to work from a café or even a park. Think of office workers who work outside of their office but remain within close contact with their supervisors and team members.
The term ‘lone workers’, on the other hand, refers to workers who work on their own without direct supervision. They have an elevated amount of responsibility to make decisions on their own and function even when far away from home. Truck drivers and hospice care nurses, for example, are lone workers.
Risks
Lone workers face unique risks compared to ‘conventional’ employees working from an office. When an office worker falls ill, for example, someone will typically notice and intervene to ensure that they have the medical care they need to recover. This is not the same situation faced by lone workers who fall ill or are injured on the job. Lone workers quite literally have no fellow employees to recognise their absence in a timely manner.
In addition to the risk of being injured or falling ill on the job, lone workers are also at an increased risk of verbal or physical assault. This is especially likely for workers who must interact with the public, such as cable repair technicians.
Finally, lone workers work without close supervision. When they encounter a problem or are not sure how to complete a task, they must make the best decision available to them. Lone workers also typically assume the role of the ‘authorising person’. This individual reacts to unexpected problems and to maintain worker safety without compromising the project timeline.
Remote workers also face the risks associated with a lack of supervision, but to a different tent. This kind of employee tends to remain in contact with team members and supervisors, so when problems or uncertainties arise, they can reach out to the individuals in charge for an answer.
Legal responsibilities of employers
Employers are legally responsible for the safety, health and welfare of employees at work regardless of whether they are working remotely or work in the office. Lone workers must be included in risk assessments as well as policy creation, as safety and health risks must be considered before employees are allowed to adopt a flexible schedule.
Businesses with five or more employees must write down the risks that employees might face in the course of their duties as well as what they are doing to manage them.
Responsibilities of workers
Workers themselves have a duty to look after their own safety and health as well as those of team members. They must also work with employers to meet any safety guidelines set forth and undergo the required training.
Legislation regarding lone and remote workers
While laws explicitly referencing lone and remote workers are relatively rare, both are protected under various legislation that directly affects their workplace rights:
- Health and Safety at Work Act (1974): Employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees, including remote and lone workers.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999): These regulations require employers to conduct an assessment of risks associated with lone workers to ensure that they do not face more risk than any other employee.
Other legislation related to lone and remote workers includes:
- Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act (2007)
- The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations (1996)
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (1995)
- Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations (1977)
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002)
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005)
How to keep employees safe
Employers must carefully assess the risks before they allow their employees, both in-office and remote, to work on their own. Training workers on safety protocol is just as important.
Employees should have the experience and knowledge needed to make smart decisions even under stressful conditions. Issuing suitable PPE as part of health and safety procedures designed for lone workers and monitoring their work are also good options to improve their safety.