The Lone Worker Safety Expo is the only event specifically designed for lone workers and has been growing in popularity since its launch five years ago. The event features conference speakers who are acknowledged experts in their chosen fields along with a list of exhibitors which includes firms specialising in lone worker security technology and devices, as well as personal safety training providers and other types of risk management firms.
The event has also become a useful platform for professionals to exchange information, recommendations and codes of practice in reference to all aspects of working alone.
In terms of exhibitors, this year’s event will once again display some of the world’s most advanced devices and technology. Connexion2, Reliance Protect and Blackline GPS are just a few of the industry leading firms that have decided to once again be part of Lone Worker Safety Expo.
Why is the issue of lone worker safety so important? According to several studies and research projects a high percentage of workers are concerned about facing verbal aggression, hostility or physical conflict.
Everyone responsible for lone worker safety must understand all legal responsibilities to their workforce. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of
Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and other laws do not make it illegal for employees to work alone, but they do place a responsibility on the employer to ensure that it is safe for them to do so.
Employers are responsible not just for their own employees but also for others who are affected by their work activities such as self-employed individuals and contractors.
However, those who work alone also have a responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves and others affected by their working activities. This includes co-operating with employers to ensure that their legal responsibilities are met.
The speaker of this year’s event will all aim to highlight what can and what should be done to improve the personal safety of those working alone and subsequently reduce the risk of workplace violence.
Nigel Heaton, founder and director of specialised UK based risk management organisation Human Applications, will offer an overview of criminal and civil responsibilities and also highlight what to document and how to create effective systems.
Nicole Vazquez, director of Worthwhile Training, will explain what exactly is best practice on producing effective paperwork and what needs to be in and what can you leave out. Nicole will also offer valuable suggestions on how to create effective lone worker policies and how to assess the effectiveness of current already implemented policies.
Patrick Dealtry, director of The Lone Working Group and writer of the British Standard for the supply of lone worker services, will offer an up-to-date view on the changing face of the lone worker market; developments, standards, solutions and devices.
Bill Fox, chairman of conflict management firm Maybo, will help our delegates to manage complex needs and challenging behaviours, and how to change staff habits and behaviours.
Doug Melia, director of Defend UK, who delivered a truly outstanding presentation at last year’s event, was asked by several delegates to return this year again in order to repeat his very passionate and lively presentation on ‘Understanding Reasonable Force’, which included several aspects from the criminal and European Law on the subject of managing the risk of physical violence and aggression.
I think it is fair to suggest that this year’s Lone worker Safety 2014 Expo will once again become a great success and effectively help to reduce workplace violence and it subsequent injuries. The knowledge provided by all speakers and the carefully selected products highlighted by all exhibitors can make a real difference in the life of a lone worker. It can make the difference of coming home safely after a hard day at work or not coming home at all.
Robert Kaiser is the CEO of PPSS Group and organiser of the Lone worker Safety Expo.
