Guides

What is a Lone Worker?

Everything you need to know as an employer.

What is a Lone Worker?


A lone worker, as defined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, refers to employees that perform their duties without direct supervision or close contact with colleagues or managers. Lone workers may work independently at remote sites, in clients’ homes, or during off-hours when others are not present. 

Lone Working Examples


Industries that typically employ lone workers include: 

  • Healthcare
  • Transportation
  • Social care
  • Security
  • Retail

Lone workers can be home healthcare providers, delivery drivers, maintenance workers, or security guards, among others. It’s important to note that a lone worker doesn’t have to be somebody who operates on their own. A lone worker can be part of a team with aspects of the role requiring them to be in a separate location and without any direct supervision from colleagues. 
The number of lone workers is increasing, likely due to the growing influence of online solutions and real-time communicated made possible by the rise in digital technology. 

Which laws regulate lone working? 

Although there is no UK legislation that outlines the need for a risk assessment or health and safety policy specifically for lone workers, there is legislation in place that covers all workers. 
 
In the UK, lone working is governed by several key regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These laws mandate that employers ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, including those who work alone or in isolation. Additionally, there are: 

COSHH: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations require employers to control hazardous substances that can harm workers’ health.  

RIDDOR: The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) requires employers to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and specified dangerous occurrences (near misses) to the HSE.

Fines for Non-Compliance with Lone Worker Safety Regulations 


Employers who fail to comply with lone worker safety regulations may face significant fines and legal repercussions. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK has the authority to impose penalties on businesses that do not meet their legal obligations to protect lone workers.  
Fines can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the degree of negligence involved.

Employer Responsibilities for Lone Worker Safety

How is a lone worker at risk in the workplace? Lone workers face various hazards, including physical violence, environmental risks (such as exposure to extreme weather conditions), and health risks (such as medical emergencies without immediate assistance).

Employers have a legal Duty of Care to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their lone workers. This includes creating a lone working policy, conducting risk assessments, providing adequate training, and implementing a lone worker safety solution. 

Lone Worker Policy


A lone worker policy is a set of guidelines and procedures designed to protect the health, safety, and well-being of employees who work alone or in isolated conditions. It is essential for outlining the procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of lone workers.  This policy outlines the specific measures an organisation must take to minimise risks and ensure that lone workers can safely perform their duties. 

Lone Worker Risk Assessments


A lone worker risk assessment is a structured evaluation carried out by employers to identify potential risks faced by employees who work alone. It involves analysing the specific hazards that lone workers might encounter in their roles and assessing the adequacy of existing control measures to mitigate these risks. Key steps to a lone worker risk assessment include: 

  • Identify potential risks faced by employees working alone. 
  • Assess current safety measures in place. 
  • Determine if additional protections are needed.
  • Establish emergency procedures.
  • Ensure workers receive proper training and support. 
  • Regularly review and update safety protocols. 

This process aims to safeguard lone workers by anticipating and mitigating risks in their work environments.  
Read more in our Field Service Workers’ Guide to Risk Assessments.

Lone Worker Training

Training is vital to equip lone workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure their safety. It should cover hazard awareness, emergency procedures, and the use of any safety equipment or systems. Workers need to recognise potential risks in their environment, know what to do in emergencies, and operate safety tools confidently. Regular refresher courses can help reinforce these essential skills.  


Implement a Lone Worker Safety Solution

Employers should implement effective safety solutions for lone workers. These solutions can range from mobile apps and wearable devices to manual check-in systems and buddy protocols. Mobile apps and wearable devices can provide real-time location tracking and emergency alerts, while manual check-ins and buddy systems ensure regular communication and mutual support.  

Lone Worker Apps

Lone worker apps provide a convenient and efficient way to monitor and ensure the safety of employees working alone. They offer features such as GPS tracking, check-in reminders, and emergency alert buttons. 
With MyMobileWorkers, a lone working app is included within the platform at no additional charge. Our free app turns any smart phone or tablet into a lone working device with GPS tracking, automated check-in, and alarm features. Find out more about our lone working app feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Employers have a legal obligation to ensure lone workers are safe and protected while performing their duties.
  • Effective risk assessment and control measures are essential for mitigating risks associated with lone working.  
  • Providing training and support for lone workers is vital to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge for their safety. 
  • Utilising technology such as lone working apps with GPS tracking and alarms can significantly improve response times in case of emergencies. 
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the lone worker

A lone worker is an employee who performs their duties without direct supervision or close contact with colleagues or managers. 

Typically lone workers fall into three categories of risk: people, environment, or task-based risk.

Employers must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of lone workers by conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures.

The HSE defines a lone worker as someone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision.

Lone worker devices typically include features like GPS tracking, emergency alert buttons, and automatic check-ins to ensure the safety of the worker.