Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation. This is especially important for lone workers, who face unique risks due to the nature of working without immediate support. The guidance below outlines why protecting lone workers is essential and the key steps employers must take to safeguard them effectively.
Lone workers can be at greater risk of harm as they may not have anyone to help or support them if things go wrong. As an employer, you must manage any health and safety risks before people can work alone. This applies to anyone contracted to work for you, including self-employed people.
Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision, for example:
- as delivery drivers, health workers or engineers
- as security staff or cleaners
- in warehouses or petrol stations
- at home
There will always be greater risks for lone workers without direct supervision or anyone to help them if things go wrong. Many of them are exposed to work-related road risks.
Employers have a legal duty to protect those working alone and must:
- carry out thorough risk assessments specific to lone working situations
- provide adequate training on managing hazards and emergency procedures
- establish effective supervision, monitoring and communication systems
- regularly review safety measures to ensure they remain effective
The HSE’s Lone Working website offers useful guidance for employers on effectively managing risks, as well as a video on lone working that gives key advice on protecting workers.
If you have any queries in relation to this or any other employment law issue, please email us at tcms@thomas-carroll.co.uk and our employment specialists will be happy to help.
