Employers Urged to Revisit Safety Measures for Shift Workers

Peoplesafe, as a personal safety specialist, is urging employers, particularly those with shift or unsociable hours workers to revisit risk assessments, training and safety measures to help protect workers during their commute, following an increase in enquiries.

The working environment has changed for everybody over the last 12 months, regardless of job role or sector, but with so many workers still working from home and emptier streets, Peoplesafe’s customers are reporting an increased concern for those workers travelling during unsociable hours for shift work. Key sectors that have raised concerns include hospital and care workers and hospitality staff.

In December 2020, Peoplesafe released statistics showing that the number of abusive incidents dealt with by hotel workers had more than doubled during the summer months, compared to 2019 figures. Social distancing and a reduced workforce meant that more hospitality workers were classified as lone workers, from bar staff operating alone late at night to reception staff alone on the desk. As such, hospitality workers have had to deal with members of the public by themselves more frequently, placing them at greater risk.

The number of incidents received by Peoplesafe’s Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in August, September and October increased by 215%, 320% and 170% respectively as hotels opened their doors again between the two lockdowns^[1].

^[1] Peoplesafe devices are used by 178 companies within the sector.