There are many different reasons why employees may be lone workers, including:
- Working alone in premises
- Working from home
- Working separately from others
- Working outside normal business hours
- Mobile work
- Service work
Lone workers may be self-employed. A self-employed lone worker has a duty to protect their own health and safety under employment law.
Employers who employ lone workers have the same responsibilities for their health and safety as for any other employees. An employer cannot transfer their responsibility for risk to any other person, including the lone worker. Out of sight should not mean out of mind – if anything, extra precautions should be taken to ensure that lone workers are not at risk. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and to take steps to avoid or control any potential risks.
Specific things that employers should consider include:
- Dangerous and difficult tasks whether some tasks may be dangerous or difficult if performed unaccompanied
- Supervision some level of supervision should be provided, such as regular visits
- Emergency procedures and contacts
- Security
The lone worker’s medical condition in particular anything which may make them unsuitable for working alone
Employees have corresponding responsibilities to take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their activities. They must co-operate with their employers in meeting their legal obligations, which may include following health and safety policies and procedures.
It is always a good idea for any employer to get their health and safety policies and procedures checked by an employment solicitor this will ensure that you are complying with your legal obligations and minimise your liability. If you do not have any health and safety policies, an employment solicitor can help to draw these up. If a lone worker is injured, you should report the accident to the Health and Safety Executive and get legal advice immediately. If a lone worker believes their employment rights are being infringed by their employer, they should obtain legal advice from an employment solicitor.
- Working alone in premises
- Working from home
- Working separately from others
- Working outside normal business hours
- Mobile work
- Service work
Lone workers may be self-employed. A self-employed lone worker has a duty to protect their own health and safety under employment law.
Employers who employ lone workers have the same responsibilities for their health and safety as for any other employees. An employer cannot transfer their responsibility for risk to any other person, including the lone worker. Out of sight should not mean out of mind – if anything, extra precautions should be taken to ensure that lone workers are not at risk. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and to take steps to avoid or control any potential risks.
Specific things that employers should consider include:
- Dangerous and difficult tasks whether some tasks may be dangerous or difficult if performed unaccompanied
- Supervision some level of supervision should be provided, such as regular visits
- Emergency procedures and contacts
- Security
The lone worker’s medical condition in particular anything which may make them unsuitable for working alone
Employees have corresponding responsibilities to take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their activities. They must co-operate with their employers in meeting their legal obligations, which may include following health and safety policies and procedures.
It is always a good idea for any employer to get their health and safety policies and procedures checked by an employment solicitor this will ensure that you are complying with your legal obligations and minimise your liability. If you do not have any health and safety policies, an employment solicitor can help to draw these up. If a lone worker is injured, you should report the accident to the Health and Safety Executive and get legal advice immediately. If a lone worker believes their employment rights are being infringed by their employer, they should obtain legal advice from an employment solicitor.
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