The HSE (Health & Safety Executive) define lone workers as “those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision”.
Most employees will work alone at some point - even if it is being the first or the last person in the office, locking up the shopping Mall, or responding as a key holder to your premises.
- Are your lone workers at risk from being attacked or being verbally abused by customers?
- Are they providing a service to the community?
- Are they instructed by you to meet any one on your behalf alone?
- Do they lock up or respond to your premises alone?
Employed lone workers
If you employ lone workers, you have the same responsibilities for their health and safety as for any other employees. You may, however, need to take extra precautions to ensure that lone workers are at no greater risk than your other employees.
Lone workers may be affected by many of the same health and safety risks as other workers. But there are potential risks which are more likely to affect lone workers, therefore you should:
- Ensure lone workers have no medical conditions which may make them unsuitable for the lone-working role they have been assigned.
- Be aware that some tasks may be too difficult or dangerous to be carried out by an unaccompanied worker.
- Provide some level of supervision - such as regular visits - for lone workers.
- Put contact procedures in place for emergencies so that the alarm can be raised and prompt medical attention provided if there is an accident.
- Make provision for Lone Workers - from fast-food delivery drivers to security personnel - who may be faced with a risk of violence.
- Check whether there are specific legal requirements for your lone workers.
Most employees will work alone at some point - even if it is being the first or the last person in the office, locking up the shopping Mall, or responding as a key holder to your premises.
- Are your lone workers at risk from being attacked or being verbally abused by customers?
- Are they providing a service to the community?
- Are they instructed by you to meet any one on your behalf alone?
- Do they lock up or respond to your premises alone?
Employed lone workers
If you employ lone workers, you have the same responsibilities for their health and safety as for any other employees. You may, however, need to take extra precautions to ensure that lone workers are at no greater risk than your other employees.
Lone workers may be affected by many of the same health and safety risks as other workers. But there are potential risks which are more likely to affect lone workers, therefore you should:
- Ensure lone workers have no medical conditions which may make them unsuitable for the lone-working role they have been assigned.
- Be aware that some tasks may be too difficult or dangerous to be carried out by an unaccompanied worker.
- Provide some level of supervision - such as regular visits - for lone workers.
- Put contact procedures in place for emergencies so that the alarm can be raised and prompt medical attention provided if there is an accident.
- Make provision for Lone Workers - from fast-food delivery drivers to security personnel - who may be faced with a risk of violence.
- Check whether there are specific legal requirements for your lone workers.
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