Budget cuts likely to increase lone working..

Whilst the dust cloud of uncertainty remains, I'm starting to pick up evidence that budget cuts are likely to introduce more lone working practices and risk. Many organisations, public and private sector (in different countries too) are looking at how services which used to be carried out by two staff can now be carried out by one. Clients in the retail sector are reducing store staff at non-peak times, the Forestry Commission announced job cuts this week which will lead to more lone working and NHS staff are being asked to lone work during hours and in locations where previously two staff would operate.

Its quite obvious for employers to think this way so I'm not surprised. however, only the savvy employers are immediately understanding (or considering) health & safety risk factors that might arise when practices are changed. We have been delighted these past few months to work with a number of clients to help not only train staff on lone worker risk but also to help employers implement technology solutions that help provide the peace of mind a lone worker may need.