In the busy world of retail, cleaning often happens out of sight, either early in the morning, late in the evening or during quieter periods of the day. For many cleaning operatives, this means working alone across large spaces or moving between levels, often without immediate access to colleagues or supervision.

While lone working is common, it comes with specific risks, both practical and emotional. Protecting these team members is not just a box to tick for compliance. It is about care, clear communication and equipping people with the right tools to stay safe and supported.

In this article, we explore the realities of lone working in retail, the role of digital technology, and how DOC Cleaning is helping create safer and more connected environments.

Understanding the Risks Faced by Lone Workers

Retail cleaning is often scheduled around footfall and trading hours. As a result, many cleaning teams operate during quiet times when buildings are sparsely populated or entirely empty.

A lone worker might be responsible for covering a large shop floor, maintaining back-of-house areas or cleaning multiple entrances during early mornings or evenings.

This type of work presents several risks, including:

• Accidents without immediate assistance, such as slips or equipment faults

• Difficult interactions with members of the public or third-party contractors

• Limited visibility, particularly in areas without active CCTV or team presence

• Emotional challenges, including feelings of isolation or stress

According to the Health and Safety Executive, lone workers should be “at no greater risk than other employees.” This requires employers to assess potential hazards, ensure reliable communication, and make sure workers have access to support when needed. In retail settings where cleaners may be present outside of standard hours or across dispersed spaces, these principles are especially important.

While many lone workers manage these conditions confidently, the responsibility lies with employers and clients to ensure the right measures are in place to minimise risk and make sure team members feel safe at all times.

Using Digital Tools to Enhance Safety and Communication

Technology has opened up new ways to protect and support lone workers. When implemented with care, digital platforms can help teams stay visible, maintain strong communication and provide accurate reporting across all shifts.

We recently started rolling out FacilityApps across the business. This platform allows team members to carry out digital safety checks, log tasks, report issues and stay in touch with their managers, all from a mobile device. It removes the need for manual paperwork and improves response times when something needs attention.

To highlight the practical benefits, here’s how FacilityApps supports lone working across our retail contracts:

These benefits are particularly valuable in retail settings, where cleaning teams may move across multiple units, service yards or multi-level spaces throughout the day. Technology does not replace our people, but it strengthens the safety net around those working independently.

Supporting Lone Workers Through Digital Confidence

As more lone workers rely on mobile platforms to log tasks, raise issues and stay connected, digital competence has become a key part of working safely. Tools such as the recently introduced Digital Cleaners Licence by Origin Secured play an important step forward in helping cleaning operatives build confidence with the technology that supports their day-to-day work.

Last week, members of our team attended the official launch event hosted by the CSSA, where the licence was introduced as a new industry standard focused on digital readiness and practical training. For operatives working alone, especially in large or out-of-hours retail environments, being comfortable with digital competence is critical. It enables them to stay connected, record their work accurately and raise any concerns quickly and clearly.

The licence combines verified training with digital awareness, giving individuals the skills they need to engage with systems effectively. For lone workers, this can make a real difference. Knowing how to check in, record safety actions and request support through a mobile device helps create a stronger sense of control, especially when working independently.

Creating a Culture of Care and Responsibility

Technology and training matter, but culture is what brings lone worker safety to life. From the way sites are mobilised to how daily communication is handled, small details make a big difference.

At DOC Cleaning, we take a people-first approach. For us, lone worker safety is not a separate programme. It is embedded into the way we operate. This includes site-specific inductions, routine manager check-ins, open communication channels and mental health support through our newly formed People and Culture Team. We also work closely with clients to align procedures, access controls and escalation processes so that support is always joined up.

This approach reflects one of our key strategic pillars, empowering our people, and ensures that every team member feels supported, respected and part of something bigger, even when working alone.

Partnering with Retail Clients to Improve Safety

The British Retail Consortium’s 2023 Crime Survey reported a concerning rise in violence and abuse toward retail workers, with over 850 incidents per day. While cleaners may not always be front-facing, they often operate in public areas or near customer zones. This makes shared safety protocols between clients and contractors even more vital, particularly when operatives are working alone.

We have seen first-hand how proactive client partnerships lead to stronger outcomes and higher engagement from teams. We work closely with store teams, facilities leads and property managers to ensure cleaning operatives are considered in all aspects of site planning and day-to-day management.

This may involve shared communication procedures for early or late shifts, agreed escalation protocols, clear access to welfare spaces and collaborative planning of rotas to minimise risk during quiet periods. These actions reflect a shared commitment to safety, wellbeing and accountability.

Companies can learn more about protecting lone workers through industry events. Events like Lone Worker Safety Live continue to highlight the importance of embedding lone worker safety into wider organisational culture, covering topics such as risk assessment, mobile support tools and mental wellbeing which are becoming core areas of focus for our own cleaning and facilities teams.

Looking Ahead

Lone working will always be part of cleaning in retail. The key is to make sure it is managed with care, consistency and the right support. From digital platforms to daily routines, every detail contributes to creating an environment where people feel safe and valued.

We are proud to invest in systems like FacilityApps, to champion industry-wide standards and to build lasting partnerships with clients who share our commitment to people-first operations.

If you are reviewing lone worker procedures on your site or looking to improve safety across your cleaning contracts, we would be happy to help. Get in touch to speak with our team or request a tailored consultation.