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Lone Working Risk Assessment: Protecting Workers Who Work Alone
Lone Working Risk Assessment: Protecting Workers Who Work Alone
Lone workers face unique risks. This guide explains how to assess and control those risks to keep your employees safe.
What Is Lone Working?
Lone working is work carried out by an individual who is:
- Working alone without close or direct supervision
- Not visible or audible to colleagues
- Unable to get immediate help if something goes wrong
Common Lone Working Situations
- Home workers
- Mobile workers (drivers, sales reps)
- Site-based lone workers (security guards, caretakers)
- Workers visiting clients (social workers, district nurses)
- Small business owners working alone
- Out-of-hours workers
Legal Requirements
Employers have the same duty of care to lone workers as to any other employee. Key legislation:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - General duty of care
- Management Regulations 1999 - Risk assessment requirement
- Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 - Criminal liability for deaths
What You Must Do
- Identify lone workers in your organisation
- Assess specific risks they face
- Implement appropriate controls
- Provide training and supervision
- Monitor and review arrangements
Lone Working Hazards
Personal Safety Risks
- Violence and aggression from the public
- Robbery or theft
- Confrontation with intruders
- Threatening behaviour
Medical Risks
- Sudden illness (heart attack, stroke)
- Injury with no one to help
- Inability to call for help
- Delayed discovery of incidents
Environmental Risks
- Working in isolated locations
- Poor lighting
- Extreme weather
- Unsafe premises (client homes, empty buildings)
Work-Specific Risks
- Using dangerous equipment alone
- Manual handling without assistance
- Driving for work
- Working at height without supervision
Lone Working Risk Assessment Template
Section 1: Worker Details
- Name and role
- Lone working locations
- Times of lone working
- Tasks carried out alone
- Communication methods available
Section 2: Hazard Assessment
| Hazard | Likelihood | Severity | Risk Level | |--------|------------|----------|------------| | Violence from public | | | | | Sudden illness | | | | | Injury without help | | | | | Working in isolation | | | | | Driving alone | | | |
Section 3: Control Measures
For each significant hazard, specify:
- What controls are in place
- What additional controls are needed
- Who is responsible
- When actions will be completed
Control Measures for Lone Workers
Communication Systems
- Mobile phones - Basic requirement for all lone workers
- Lone worker apps - Check-in systems, panic buttons, GPS tracking
- Lone worker devices - Dedicated alarms with man-down detection
- Regular contact protocols - Scheduled check-ins with base
Training
Lone workers should receive training on:
- Recognising and avoiding risky situations
- De-escalation techniques for aggression
- Using communication devices
- Emergency procedures
- Reporting incidents
- Personal safety awareness
Supervision
- Regular contact from supervisors
- Site visits and spot checks
- Review of check-in logs
- Access to support and advice
Safe Systems of Work
- Written procedures for lone working tasks
- Limits on what can be done alone
- Requirement for two-person teams for high-risk work
- Clear escalation procedures
Physical Security
- Secure work areas
- Controlled access systems
- CCTV and alarm systems
- Safe rooms or escape routes
Emergency Planning
- Clear procedures for emergencies
- First aid training and kits
- Access to emergency services
- Rescue plans for remote workers
Specific Scenarios
Home Workers
Risks:
- Isolation and mental health
- DSE risks
- Fire safety
- No immediate help for medical emergencies
Controls:
- Regular contact with team
- DSE assessment for home workstation
- Fire safety guidance provided
- Emergency contact numbers
- Mental health support access
Mobile Workers (Drivers)
Risks:
- Road traffic accidents
- Breakdowns in unsafe locations
- Violence when visiting clients
- Fatigue
Controls:
- Driver training and licence checks
- Vehicle maintenance programme
- Journey planning and risk assessment
- Client visit protocols
- Breakdown procedures
- Fatigue management
Workers Visiting Clients
Risks:
- Violence from clients or relatives
- Unsafe premises
- Dogs and other animals
- Working in high-crime areas
Controls:
- Client risk assessment before visits
- Two-person visits for high-risk clients
- Check-in before and after visits
- Mobile phone always charged
- Escape routes planned
- No-go policy for unsafe situations
Security Guards and Night Workers
Risks:
- Violence from intruders
- Working alone at night
- Medical emergencies without help
- Confrontation with criminals
Controls:
- CCTV monitoring
- Regular patrol schedules
- Panic alarms
- Radio contact with control room
- Two-person teams for high-risk sites
- Buddy system with neighbouring sites
Monitoring Lone Workers
Check-In Systems
Establish regular check-in protocols:
- Start of shift
- Regular intervals (hourly or task-based)
- End of shift
- Missed check-in escalation
Missed Check-In Procedure
- Attempt contact (phone, radio)
- Try alternative contact method
- Contact emergency contact
- Send someone to check
- Call emergency services if needed
Incident Reporting
Require reporting of:
- All violence and aggression
- Near-miss situations
- Unsafe conditions encountered
- Equipment failures
- Concerns about client premises
Technology for Lone Workers
Lone Worker Apps
Features to look for:
- Check-in functionality
- Panic button
- GPS tracking
- Man-down detection (no movement)
- Automatic escalation
- Duress alerts (covert panic)
Dedicated Devices
For high-risk environments:
- ID badge style devices
- Two-way radio with panic
- Satellite communicators (remote areas)
- Fall detection devices
Case Study: Failed Lone Worker Protection
In 2022, a care worker was attacked while visiting a client alone. The employer had not:
- Assessed the client's history of aggression
- Provided lone worker training
- Issued a communication device
- Established check-in procedures
The company was fined £120,000.
Summary
Lone workers need specific protection. Assess their risks, provide appropriate controls, and ensure they can always get help if needed.