Lone Working: A Safety Guide

SSS Learning 3 min read

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Lots of people work alone, whether they're out in the field or working from home. While it can be efficient, lone working does present risks, and employers have a duty of care to make sure that when staff work alone they are just as safe as those who have colleagues nearby.

When lone working, if something goes wrong, it's harder to get help quickly. This can result in a bad situation worsening. This includes dangers such as:

Accidents: If injured, there may be no one there to call for help or offer prompt first aid support.
Medical emergencies: A sudden illness or allergic reaction can become very serious if help is delayed.
Danger from others: Roles that involve dealing with the public, money, or working in isolated spots makes lone workers more vulnerable such as an increased the risk of verbal abuse or physical attacks.
Dangerous environments: There is an increased risk when working in remote areas, working at height, with dangerous chemicals, or in bad weather for lone workers.
Feeling isolated, anxious and stressed: The isolation of lone working may lead to stress, anxiety, and loneliness, which not only impacts wellbeing, it can negatively affect a worker’s performance.
Lack of guidance: Lone workers don’t have access to immediate support and guidance of colleagues. Those new to a role, undertaking difficult/ complex task, or who find themselves in unfamiliar situations , do not have access to immediate help and/ or benefit from the advice of experienced colleagues.

As stated earlier, employers have a legal and moral duty to manage the risks faced by staff working alone. They have safeguarding duties which includes:

Risk Assessment for Lone Workers

Employers need to look at every single danger linked to working alone in specific jobs and places. This applies to employed staff and volunteers carrying out roles for the organisation. When assessing risk they must consider:

What kind of work the worker is doing e.g. direct working where there is a risk of volatility, using dangerous tools, working at height;
The location of lone working e.g. remote, unsafe areas, public spaces;
The worker, such as level of experience and training, and needs related to known health needs e.g. diabetes, anaphylaxis;
Possible emergencies e.g. fire, equipment breaking, illness, violence;
The likelihood of potential incidents and how they may escalate.

Ensuring Safety Measures for Lone Workers are in Place

Once risks are identified, employers need to ensure there are measures to eliminate them or to mitigate them i.e. make them less dangerous. Measures may include:

Communication: Ensuring there are reliable ways to communicate, such as mobile phones, using apps with GPS tracking, or panic buttons. Employers should ensure there are clear protocols stating the rules for checking in regularly and what action will be taken to safeguard staff if not followed;
Planning: Developing emergency plans and response strategies with protocols which clearly state the steps for what to do in an emergency, who to call, and how emergency services will locate a worker. This may also include ensuring staff have additional skills / equipment, such as first aid training and kits;
Training: Ensuring workers are not only trained in their role, but are also trained to identify dangers, use safety equipment, deal safely and effectively manage emergencies, and importantly know when to stop work if something feels unsafe;
In-the-field monitoring: Employers need to develop effective ways to check on lone workers. This could be regular phone calls or systems that alert someone if a worker fails to check in or to respond to contact;
Safe equipment and locations: Employers must make sure all equipment is safe, working well, and easy for one person to use. They also need to check that the work environment of lone workers is safe;
Mental health support: It is important for employers to recognise and understand that working alone can be isolating and stressful. They should offer ways for workers to obtain support for their mental well-being, e.g., supervision, counselling.

Whilst an employer has key safeguarding responsibilities, workers also have an important role in keeping themselves safe. Every worker should:

Look out for their own safety and the safety of others;
Follow their employer's safety rules and use equipment correctly;
Report any accidents, near misses, or concerns immediately;
Be aware of their surroundings and any potential dangers;
Follow the check-in and communication rules.

As mentioned earlier, new technology is helping to make lone working safer. Special apps and devices for lone workers can track their location, automatically check if they are okay, send alerts in emergencies and connect directly to emergency services. These tools act as an additional safety net, not only in day-to-day situations but in obtaining help quickly if something serious happens.

Lone working doesn't have to be dangerous. By spotting risks, putting safety measures in place, and using technology, employers can make sure their lone workers are not only carrying out their roles effectively but are also kept safe, supported, and confident.

SSS Learning are currently producing an online training course ‘Lone Working’, which will be available in September 2025.

SSS Learning

25 June 2025