Human resources

Lone workers
Factsheet

Form 226 | Issue 1 | October 2007

 Human resources

Lone workers
Lone workers are those who work by themselves, e.g. in a small workshop or office, or who work
separately from their colleagues e.g. mobile workers or those operating in a remote area. People
working outside ‘normal’ working hours may also be lone workers, e.g. on-call workers or emergency
response staff.

Although there are no legal restrictions on people working alone, their health and safety should not be at a greater
risk than other workers. As the security sector involves individual and lone working, it is important that employers
are aware of their responsibilities.

Employers of lone workers must, in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations,
carry out a risk assessment to determine if it is safe for the work to be undertaken by someone working alone and
put in place safe working procedures, aimed at eliminating or controlling any risk.

Employers should identify situations where their employees work alone and as part of the risk assessment
consider if:

• The risk associated with the work can be adequately controlled by one person.
• The workplace itself presents a particular risk.
• Equipment and substances required for the work can be safely handled by one person.
• There is a risk of violence from other persons.
• The lone worker is medically fit and suitable to work alone.

Safe working procedures can include:

• Periodic supervision visits.

• Additional training where there is limited supervision.
• Regular voice contact between the lone worker and their line manager/supervisor via a telephone or radio.
• Automatic warning devices which operate if a specific signal is not received from a lone worker.
• Checks that the lone worker has returned safely home or to their base after a job or call-out.
• Special arrangements for first aid to deal with minor injuries, e.g. provision of a mobile first aid kit.
• Measures for dealing with emergency situations, e.g. fire, equipment failure or accidents.

It is also advised that employers ensure that any lone workers are included in their Employers Liability
(Compulsory) Insurance cover.

The above information has been provided by BSIA Associate Member, Citation plc. For further information, please
contact Nigel Lea at Citation on 01565 682013 or email nigellea@citation.co.uk

Nothing in this publication constitutes legal advice. You should consult a suitably qualified lawyer on any specific legal issue.

The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and no action should be taken in reliance on it without specific
professional advice. Reproduced by the BSIA with the permission of Citation plc. All other rights reserved. © Copyright Citation plc 2007.

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