Uses
Lone workers include employees, volunteers, contractors and self-employed people.
Do I have Lone Workers?
Businesses are often confused as to whether they employ or engage lone workers or not.
So what exactly is a lone worker?
A lone worker is someone who works by themselves without a colleague. Lone workers can be found in a wide range of sectors and situations including:
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Working in fixed establishments |
Mobile workers working away from a fixed base |
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Working from home |
Construction, highway and railway maintenance, bridge inspection, vehicle recovery |
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Working alone in premises e.g. workshops, kiosks or shops, petrol stations |
Agricultural and forestry workers, land surveyors, gamekeepers, ecologists |
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Working separately from others e.g. in factories, warehouses, research establishments, outhouses and barns |
Service workers e.g. doctors, district nurses, social workers, home helps, postal and courier workers, drivers, engineers |
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Those that work outside normal hours e.g. cleaners and security, production, maintenance and repair staff |
Professionals visiting domestic and commercial premises e.g. sales representatives, architects, estate agents |
Why do lone workers need to be treated differently?
Because there are legal implications. You need to comply with your legal duties towards any lone workers you have under:
- the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (in the worst case scenarios)
What does this mean in practice?
Employers have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare at work of all of their employees. This includes self-employed people and contractors who may be affected by work activities.
Different lone workers are exposed to different types of risk. People working with the public could be dealing with difficult people or sensitive situations. Others are more at risk from their surroundings, working in isolated and hostile environments. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary.
Employees have responsibilities to take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their work activities and to co-operate with their employers in meeting their legal obligations.
