Lone working has skyrocketed across the world over the past few years, and the US is no exception. Since 2021, it has been reported that around 15% of people in the United States are now lone workers, which equates to around 35 million people. The construction industry is particularly notable when it comes to lone working.

Most construction work involves a team of people, but lone working isn’t uncommon in this field. Additionally, lone working comes with a significant amount of danger in construction due to the handling of various tools and machinery, plus potentially hazardous environments. Because of this, extra caution is needed, especially when it comes to lone working.

Knowing the challenges that arise when it comes to dealing with lone worker safety in the construction industry and implementing effective solutions is key to a safe working environment. In this article, we will be looking at these challenges in more detail, as well as the best solutions when it comes to tackling them.

Who are the lone workers in the construction industry?

As mentioned, lone working is not uncommon in construction, though work in teams is seen more frequently. That being said, there are various situations in this industry where lone working is necessary. If a worker does not have any direct or close supervision in construction, even if they aren’t completely alone on the site, this is still considered lone working.

Some examples of lone workers in construction include the following:

Building surveyors and inspectors
Plumbers
Painters
Electricians
Certain equipment operators
Truck drivers
Repair and maintenance technicians
Security

Special challenges for workers in construction

The construction industry is particularly challenging when it comes to issues that lone workers have to face. Let’s take a look at the most common challenges in this industry.

Delayed responses

The very nature of construction work can be challenging physically. Working with tools and heavy machinery is common, as is working in hazardous environments or on elevated surfaces. This all increases the chance of physical injury. And these risks are heightened for lone workers.

Working alone means that responses to any potential issues can be delayed. Without a co-worker, supervisor, or any other person in the vicinity, an emergency is likely to be reported with delay. In severe situations, emergencies can go unreported entirely. This is a significant risk for lone workers in construction.

Communication issues

Certain construction sites can be difficult to effectively communicate with due to issues with mobile signals. Rural, underground, or remote sites can be black spots for signals, but large structures with steel or concrete frames can also block phone signals. If an emergency occurs and a worker is alone, they may have trouble trying to call for help.

Security problems

As is the case with most lone working positions, the risk of vulnerability or even violence is increased in a lone construction role. Construction sites can become a target after hours due to the use of valuable materials, such as copper wiring, which can lead to dangerous situations for those working by themselves during these hours.

Mental health

Lone working in any industry can be detrimental to mental health because of the disconnection, anxiety, and loneliness that it can cause. The construction industry is no different. Isolation in construction can lead to significant stress, especially for those who work with heavy machinery or on dangerous surfaces. In turn, this can lead to a strain on the mental health of the worker.

Solutions to lone worker challenges in construction

Despite these challenges, there are plenty of solutions to help alleviate the stresses and potential risks of lone working in the construction industry. Let’s take a look at some of these solutions.

Lone worker apps

Lone worker applications on mobile phones are a handy way to ensure the safety of lone workers. However, they can be somewhat limited in comparison to personal alarms, such as those provided by SureSafe.

The reliance on a functional mobile device can be a problem, especially in construction environments where phones aren’t always permitted or within reach. That being said, there are several noteworthy apps that are worth taking a look at, such as OK Alone and Safepoint: Lone Worker Safety.

Risk assessments

Conducting risk assessments is a must when it comes to lone working in the construction industry. These assessments can identify potential risks and allow employers and organizations to create effective plans and procedures to protect lone employees.

Risk assessments in a construction workplace can also help identify tasks that are suitable and not suitable for lone workers. They can also evaluate physical and environmental hazards that are specific to each construction job and take into account factors such as remote locations, health conditions of the worker, and any communication risks.

A lone worker device

Lone working alarms or devices (also known as the lone worker watch or the man down alarm) can be incredibly effective. These alarms are designed to call for assistance if it is needed when no one is around to help.

The best lone worker devices are those that have two core features: automatic fall detection and a one press SOS button. SOS buttons allow those who need it to call for help with a simple press of a button. Automatic fall detection caters to those who may not be able to press the button of the device. That includes those who are knocked unconscious after a fall or those who are too unwell or injured to physically press the SOS button. GPS tracking is also a necessary feature for those working in external locations.

These devices can be an invaluable asset for lone workers in the construction industry due to the additional risks associated with this kind of work. Falls and injuries are more likely in construction environments, and a lone worker alarm offers peace of mind for both the worker and the employer.

The SureSafe Lone Worker Alarm is a great example of a personal alarm that offers all three of the above features along with other features, such as a choice between self-managed monitoring or 24/7 monitoring. With the self-managed option, the alarm will alert designated members of your team when a lone worker calls for help or a fall is detected. Alternatively, the alert will go through to SureSafe’s dedicated monitoring center with the 24/7 monitoring option.

Learn more about SureSafe personal alarms for lone workers in construction

SureSafe’s personal alarms are an affordable and effective protective measure for lone workers, including those in the construction industry. The very nature of construction work makes it difficult for workers to have their phone present at all times, no matter how big or small the job. The increased dangers and risks that come with this line of work also makes it more important than ever to consider a direct and personal alarm system if you or your employees are lone workers in the construction field.

With plenty of excellent Trustpilot reviews and an established customer base, SureSafe is an industry leader in the personal alarm field. If you want to find out more about the SureSafe personal alarms, talk to us on our live chat or give us a call at 0808 303 4541. You can also contact us via our online form to request a callback.