Health and Safety for lone workers: what you need to know

Working alone might sound peaceful! You have no office politics or noisy colleagues to contend with! But it does come with risks. Whether you’re a delivery driver, a care worker visiting homes, or a tradesperson working in an empty building, being on your own means there’s no one there to help if something goes wrong. That’s why health and safety for lone workers is so important.

What are the risks?

Without a team around you, minor issues could quickly become serious. Imagine a cleaner working late in an office block who slips on a wet floor. If there’s no one to call out to who could help, they could be stuck for hours. Or it could be a gas engineer carrying out a home visit who finds themselves facing aggression from a customer. Lone workers can be at greater risk of accidents, medical emergencies, or even violence.

Some jobs involve working in remote locations. Think of forestry workers or surveyors in rural areas for example. If a fall, sudden illness, or even extreme weather strikes, help could be miles away. In other cases, lone workers might be handling cash or valuable goods, increasing the risk of them being robbed or attacked. The key problem is that without immediate assistance, small risks can escalate into much bigger incidents.

What does the law say?

Employers have a legal duty to protect lone workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must assess the risks and take steps to reduce them. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also requires suitable risk assessments, considering hazards like violence, manual handling, and working in remote locations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers further guidance on lone working - have a read on their website HERE. Employers need to make sure they follow best practices. And failing to do this could result in legal consequences for you and your business if an incident does happen.

How can lone workers stay safe?

• Risk assessments - Identify potential dangers before starting a job.
• Regular check-ins - Use phone calls, apps, or tracking systems to stay in contact with managers and the rest of your team.
• Training - Know how to handle risks like dealing with aggressive behaviour or medical emergencies.
• Emergency plans - Make sure you've got a way to call for help if needed.
• Personal safety devices - Panic alarms, GPS trackers, or body-worn cameras can add an extra layer of protection.

Health and safety for lone workers isn’t just about ticking boxes. In reality it's about making sure people can do their jobs safely. If you work alone or employ lone workers, take the time to review your safety measures. A little planning can make all the difference. And if you're struggling, here at Ardent Safety we specialise in helping companies keep their workers safe with training and risk assessments - get in touch to find out more...