Lone working is common across many industries. While it is often necessary for business operations, it can introduce additional risks that are not always immediately obvious.
A lone worker is anyone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision. This could include someone working late in an office, a security guard on patrol, or a maintenance worker attending site alone. The key issue is not the task itself, but the lack of immediate support if something goes wrong.
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, and this includes those working alone.
What are the risks?
Lone working can increase the severity of incidents because help may not be readily available. Common risks include:
- Accidents or medical emergencies
- If a lone worker suffers a fall, injury, or sudden illness, there may be delays in getting assistance.
- Violence and aggression
- Workers in security, retail, or customer-facing roles may face confrontation, particularly when working alone.
- Slips, trips, and falls
- These are among the most common workplace accidents, but when alone, they can become more serious.
- Communication issues
- Poor signal, faulty equipment, or lack of procedures can leave workers unable to call for help.
- Mental wellbeing and isolation
- Working alone for long periods, especially at night, can impact mental health and alertness.
What Should You Have in Place?
Risk assessment
Start with a lone working risk assessment. This should consider:
- The task being carried out
- The location and environment
- The individual’s experience and capability
- What could go wrong and how it would be managed
Communication & monitoring
Workers must be able to raise the alarm quickly. This can include:
- Mobile phones or radios
- Lone worker devices or apps
- Scheduled check-ins or call systems
For higher-risk roles, consider systems that:
- Automatically alert if a worker does not check in
- Include panic alarms
Emergency procedures
Clear procedures should be in place so that workers know:
- Who to contact in an emergency
- What to do if they feel unsafe
- When to stop work and withdraw
Training & awareness
Lone workers should be trained to:
- Recognise risks
- Handle difficult situations (e.g. conflict management)
- Report concerns early
Supervision & review
Even though workers are alone, they should not be unsupported:
- Regular check-ins from supervisors
- Periodic reviews of lone working arrangements
- Learning from incidents or near misses
Quick Check for Your Business
- Do you know exactly who is working alone and when?
- Would you know if a worker failed to check in?
- Are your procedures actually used in practice?
Lone working is not inherently unsafe, but it does require careful planning and control. The key is ensuring that no worker is ever truly ‘on their own’ when it comes to safety. If you need help ensuring your business remains safe, please do not hesitate to contact us.