Lone Workers

A lone worker is an individual who performs their job in isolation from other workers, without close or direct supervision, which puts them at greater risk in specific situations.

Employers in the UK have a duty of care to lone workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, requiring them to conduct risk assessments and take steps to ensure their safety.

Risks can include accidents or emergencies, sudden illness, violence or abuse, lack of direct supervision, and difficulty in securing help if needed.

Employers can ensure safety by conducting thorough risk assessments, providing proper training, equipping workers with communication devices, establishing clear procedures for emergency situations, and regular monitoring.

Lone workers should be trained in emergency procedures including how to contact emergency services, use any provided safety equipment, and follow preset protocols for specific scenarios.

Yes, industries such as security, healthcare, utilities, delivery services, estate management, and retail often have roles that involve lone working.

A risk assessment should include identification of hazards, assessment of who might be harmed and how, evaluation of risks, recording findings, and reviewing the assessment regularly.

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, especially when there are changes in work processes, changes in lone working environments, or after any incident involving a lone worker.

Technologies such as GPS tracking, panic alarms, lone worker apps, and two-way radios can help in ensuring the safety of lone workers by allowing for constant contact and quick emergency responses.

While not explicitly mandatory, having a lone working policy is strongly recommended as it demonstrates an employer’s commitment to health and safety and provides a clear framework for managing lone working risks.

A lone working policy should include definitions, responsibilities, risk assessment procedures, control measures, communication protocols, training requirements, and emergency procedures.

Training is crucial for lone workers to ensure they understand the risks, are aware of safety protocols, and know how to respond in emergency situations.

Yes, lone workers have the right to refuse to work alone if they legitimately feel that their safety or health is at risk, and they should report their concerns to their employer immediately.

Communication with lone workers can be maintained through regular check-ins via phone calls, text messages, lone worker apps, or any other agreed-upon method that ensures consistent contact.

Yes, extra precautions should be taken for lone workers at night including enhanced communication, additional training on dealing with violent or threatening situations, and ensuring safe access to and from work locations.