Let’s look at something that matters to just about every business in the UK: keeping your lone workers safe. Perhaps your people work late, travel out in the field, or spend time alone on site. Whatever the setup, you’re responsible for their safety—and the way you handle that really counts.
Who are Lone Workers?
Who are we talking about? Lone workers are anyone left to work by themselves, without someone there to help out, or without direct supervision. Think about delivery drivers, security guards, maintenance crews, carers visiting homes, or even shop staff locking up after hours. Without doubt, working alone gives people flexibility and freedom, but it comes with its own set of risks.
So what kind of problems pop up for lone workers? More than you might think. They might get injured, fall ill suddenly, or have an accident and no one’s around to help. There’s always the risk of theft or assault, especially in isolated spots or at night. Weather can quickly get bad, or they might run into hazardous environments. Sometimes equipment fails, or they lose contact with the team. Spotting these risks early is key to keeping people safe.
The Law.
Now, the law’s pretty clear about your responsibilities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 says you need to assess risks for all your workers, including those who work alone. So what does that actually mean in practice?
What Can You Do?
First, have a serious think about your risk assessments. Look at what your lone workers actually do, and where the real dangers are. If someone’s out on home visits, check out the risks that come with meeting strangers, or being in unfamiliar places. Got people working up high? Make sure you’re thinking about falls.
Next, set up clear procedures. This could mean regular check-ins; just a quick call or message to let you know they’re okay. Make sure they know exactly what to do if something feels off or if there’s an emergency. And don’t forget about proper training: everyone should know how to use safety gear and what to do if things go wrong. For example, teach delivery drivers how to handle tricky situations or use personal alarms.
Speaking of communication, don’t leave your staff stranded. Give them reliable ways to stay in touch, whether that’s work mobiles, panic alarms, or two-way radios for places with a bad signal. Technology helps too – wearable fall detectors, personal alarms, or GPS trackers can be lifesavers, especially for people working at heights or in remote places.
Keep an eye on things with regular check-ins and GPS monitoring. This isn’t about spying – it’s about knowing your people are safe, and being able to react fast if something goes wrong. And make sure everyone knows the procedure in an emergency. They should know who to call, how to get help, and how to use any safety devices you’ve given them.
Basically, you’re responsible for your lone workers’ safety. Taking these steps isn’t just about ticking boxes for the law – it shows your people you value them, and it builds real trust. Don’t treat safety like a one-off job. Keep reviewing your procedures, refresh your training, and ask for feedback. When your people feel safe, everyone wins, and your workplace becomes a better place to be.