More than 50 per cent of estate agents do not have any safety policies or procedures in place for staff carrying out lone property viewings with potential buyers, a survey has revealed.
Despite all the firms that took part in the study confirming that their employees undertake lone viewings, 58 per cent of staff admitted to never receiving any specific lone worker or personal safety training.
The research was carried out by Yorkshire-based PPSS, The findings, for a 24 month period, also concluded that:
• 30 per cent of the estate agents questioned had been the victims of verbal abuse
• Almost a quarter felt their safety was being compromised
• 53 per cent didn’t have a lone worker policy
• 16 per cent had been intimidated
• More than one in ten had been threatened while conducting viewings
The results of the survey have come as quite a shock, particularly as most people will remember the disappearance of Suzie Lamplugh and the kidnap of Stephanie Slater, both estate agents.
“However, despite 100 per cent of those surveyed saying they and their staff met clients by themselves, less than half had ever received any safety training.
“While there is specific guidance dealing with lone working, all health and safety legislation applies equally to lone workers.
“Sadly, employers often forget their responsibilities to lone workers, particularly in respect of issues such as risk assessment. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risk where necessary.”