Ensure lone workers' safety

You have responsibilities for the health and safety of anyone affected by your business' activities. This includes customers, suppliers, contractors and other visitors to your workplace.

You also have to consider any risks that lone workers might present - directly or indirectly - to other people.

Consider the following issues:

• Is the lone worker operating in an environment in which the work may create risks for others? Lone workers may work in environments which are less safe than your business premises. For example, a home is unlikely to have the same safety equipment as an office or factory.
• Does the lone worker have access to a first aid kit or do they have first aid training? This will help them deal with minor injuries either to themselves or to members of the public.
• Does the lone worker have a mobile phone or other means of communication to allow them to seek help in case of an emergency?
• Is a lone worker able to restrict public access and cordon off any dangerous areas if necessary?
• Are you aware of any possible health and safety considerations for a lone worker working in other business premises? It's important to consult the relevant owner or manager to identify what these are.
• Have you considered the safety of those lone workers who have a higher probability of encountering violence, eg those that work with the public or who work at night? If a violent incident does take place, you need to record it. Find information about reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

If you or your workers deal with members of the public who may pose a threat, it might be a good idea to set up a system of identifying these people in your records. However, remember that data protection laws apply.

Read guidance on managing the risks of lone workers.