HSE defines a lone worker as “someone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision”. Because these individuals don’t have anyone to help them if something goes wrong, they are at greater risk of harm than other workers.
As an employer, you should provide training, supervision, monitoring and support for lone workers. You can find valuable guidance in HSE’s publication Protecting lone workers: How to manage the risks of working alone. This leaflet will help you understand how to comply with your legal duties towards these individuals under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
You can find more information on HSE’s lone working webpages, which also include advice for lone workers. Also available is a lone workers video.
Sources
Protecting lone workers: How to manage the risks of working alone, https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.htm?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=guidance-push&utm_term=lone-workers-1&utm_content=digest-17-oct-24.
HSE Weekly Digest ebulletin 17 October 2024.
