Safeguarding the wellbeing of lone workers in the field is an area for which Enterprise Mobility technology is uniquely suited, and one which employers across private and public sectors need to proactively address.

A survey carried out by the Royal College of Nursing in relation to the level of risk faced by lone workers revealed some startling trends, and underlines the effect lack of protection on the part of the employer has on the basic right of their staff to be safe at work, and their ability to effectively carry out their jobs.

Among the headline results were that two thirds of survey respondents said their employer did not know their whereabouts when they were out in the field working, and over a third never carried out a risk assessment ahead of a visit.

Nearly three quarters were not fully informed on potential risks associated with a visit. While this survey provides insight into one particular sector, it illustrates the kind of risks and deficiencies in protection faced by a huge variety of lone field workers. Their perception and experience of risk to their personal safety continues to grow as an issue. Half of respondents thought the risk of violence or abuse had increased over the previous two years, and a third had experienced violence or harassment in the workplace.

Enterprise mobility technology offers the only practical, proven and affordable solution to this entire collection of challenges, reflected in the views of the people out there facing the risks. The survey revealed that over two thirds felt a mobile device monitoring them 24/7 would increase their confidence to work alone.