Ensure lone workers' safety

People working alone may face greater security risks than other workers. If there is an accident, there may be nobody to help them. They may also run an increased risk of violence. Download a guide on dealing with violence at work (PDF, 105K).

If you allow people to work remotely - eg outside of the office or at home - you will probably come across different security risks. For example, they are unlikely to be able to dispose of sensitive papers securely, or have lockable filing cabinets or safes. As a result, you will need to adapt your procedures to accommodate this. See safety of lone workers working from home.

Managing security risks

You should consider the security of lone workers when conducting your health and safety risk assessment. A crucial point to establish is how people working on their own will be able to stay in contact with you or with a supervisor:

• For some lone workers - such as those working away from your main base - regular visits can be an important way of making sure that there are no problems.
• Regular communications via phone or radio enable you to keep in contact with lone workers. For some roles - such as a delivery driver - this kind of contact might be a normal part of the job.
• You could have an automatic warning system if the lone worker fails to check in on schedule. For instance, security personnel might be expected to check in with a central supervisor every hour.
• Emergency alarms fitted in your premises are another option. A lone worker could activate these in case of problems.
• There are software options available for remote workers' mobile devices that can help you keep track of their safety.

You may need to take extra precautions for the security of mobile lone workers. For example, you could put together a daily itinerary for each one so that other staff know where they might be.

If you are a self-employed lone worker, you must make your own security arrangements. For example, it can be a good idea to tell a friend whenever you are going out on a job.