Using a Work Buddy System to Keep Workers Safe

A work buddy system is a common way to reduce risk in the workplace. But is it the most effective way to keep your workers safe and increase productivity?

What is a Workplace Buddy System?

A buddy system is when colleagues are paired up and given equal responsibility for each other’s safety and wellbeing. It is also commonly used in onboarding programmes to help new hires with buddies settle into their roles, understand the company culture, and feel more comfortable in their new work environment.

Usually, the buddies accompany each other while completing the same or similar work. Common examples include:

A co-driver during a night ride
A second shop-floor employee acting as a deterrent for shoplifters
A colleague who accompanying an employee on a home visit to a client or patient.

In some cases, the buddy system is used by lone working colleagues who do not share the same location but check in with each other regularly. This approach is also seen in onboarding programmes, where new employees stay connected with a mentor for guidance and sharing knowledge. to ensure their wellbeing.

To find out more about the types of roles where a work buddy might be used for safety purposes, take a look at our article: What is a lone worker?

Why Do Companies Use a Buddy System?

As a lone working employee, you run the risk of becoming a victim of violence, abuse, or aggression. You can also fall, trip, or become unwell.

When you work alongside other colleagues, there is usually someone nearby who can help you if an incident occurs. But if you work alone, you need another means to raise an alarm- often relying on a buddy system.

In addition to safety, buddy systems can improve employee satisfaction, boost productivity, and foster friends at work, leading to an improved sense of belonging within team members.

Advantages of a Workplace Buddy System

Ensure colleagues get home safely
Some workplace buddy systems will advise colleagues to check-in (usually via text message or phone call) with each other when they arrive home safely at the end of a shift – providing peace of mind to colleagues and managers. But what happens if someone forgets to check-in, they are delayed on their way home, or they’re involved in an incident which prevents them from getting in touch with their buddy? It’s important to have a clear escalation procedure for this type of situation.
Provide a friendly ear
A buddy can be a source of support, providing a work environment where employees feel more comfortable discussing concerns. This is particularly important for lone workers, who may not always have someone nearby to talk to.
A perceived low-cost solution
Many organisations perceive a buddy system as a low-cost safety solution; lone working buddies can use their personal or company-owned mobile phones to stay in contact with each other. This means there is no obvious outlay. However, several hidden costs should be considered (see below).
Provide reassurance and backup
Where a buddy physically accompanies a colleague during their shift, a worker may feel more relaxed and reassured that they’ll have some backup should something happen. This can work well for security guards, paramedics, and police, for example. However, relying solely on a buddy system may create a false sense of security, as discussed below.

Disadvantages of a Workplace Buddy System

It can be surprisingly expensive
In some cases, a buddy system requires implementing a buddy system that effectively doubles staffing costs. Instead of hiring one worker, companies may need to pay for two employees to do the same job. Employers should evaluate whether this investment actually boosts productivity and safety.
Work buddies may have a false sense of security
Sometimes, employees are less wary of danger when surrounded by colleagues. This also applies to an employee who works together with a buddy. Because an employee has a false sense of security, they may be less likely to take safety precautions. This creates a greater chance of an incident occurring, which means that working with a buddy can, in some cases, have a counterproductive effect on improving safety.
An incident may involve both buddies, making it impossible to raise an alarm
If two buddies are working closely together, it stands to reason that they will both be involved in an incident if it occurs. This may make it impossible for either colleague to raise an alarm. Examples include: an accident involving both colleagues, or an incident of aggression (when making an emergency phone call would only intensify the situation).

The SoloProtect lone worker safety solution allows users to discreetly call for help at the push of a Red Alert button, and it will automatically detect a man-down situation.
Huge stress implications
A buddy system may unintentionally place an emotional burden on employees. If a worker fails to check in or respond in an emergency, their buddy may experience extreme stress or guilt. Over time, this can negatively impact employee satisfaction and job satisfaction.
Holidays are more difficult to manage
If your business relies on a workplace buddy system for safety, organising holidays can be extremely difficult. Either both workers must take their holidays at the same time, or a backup buddy would need to be found.
Buddy systems generally rely on mobile phone coverage
As mentioned above, for most buddy systems to be effective, personal or company-owned mobile phones are essential. But what happens when there’s no signal? This is a big issue for people who work in rural areas or underground, for example. SoloProtect’s personal safety solution offers a feature called Monitoring Timer that’s specifically designed to provide protection in low signal areas.

Creating an Effective Alternative to Buddy Systems

While buddy systems can provide a temporary solution for lone worker safety, they are not always the most effective approach. Instead, organisations should focus on implementing a buddy system at work alongside robust onboarding experiences, onboarding buddy programme, and a formal lone worker safety solution.

A properly designed safety system can: