What Is a Lone Worker?
A lone worker is someone who works without close or direct supervision, or without other workers nearby. In the trades, this includes:
- Sole traders working on domestic properties
- Subcontractors attending site alone
- Maintenance workers in commercial premises outside hours
- Anyone working in a remote or isolated location
The HSE estimates around 8 million people work alone in the UK at some point.
Is It Legal to Work Alone?
Yes — lone working is legal. But the risks must be assessed and managed.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess the risks to lone workers. Self-employed workers must assess risks to themselves.
What Makes Lone Working More Dangerous?
- No immediate help if injured or taken ill
- Increased fatigue risk without a second person to cover tasks
- Violence risk when working in unfamiliar premises or with unfamiliar clients
- Emergency response delays — who calls 999 if you're incapacitated?
- Some tasks are legally prohibited for lone workers (e.g. certain confined space entries)
Tasks That Should Never Be Done Alone
Certain high-risk tasks require at least a second person present:
- Confined space entry — a trained standby person is legally required
- Working at significant height without collective protection
- Live electrical work in certain circumstances
- Heavy manual handling that requires two people
Practical Controls for Lone Workers
Check-in systems: Establish a system where the lone worker checks in at agreed intervals. If a check-in is missed, a nominated person initiates a welfare check.
Communication: Ensure mobile coverage or a two-way radio. If working in poor signal areas, consider a satellite communicator.
Lone worker apps and devices: Dedicated lone worker devices or apps can detect inactivity, provide panic buttons, and GPS-track workers. Many are available at low cost.
Risk assessment: Document the specific risks of working alone on each task — not just generic risks. Include who to contact, emergency procedures, and agreed check-in times.
Client or site knowledge: Before attending an unfamiliar domestic property, ensure someone knows where you are. Basic vetting of new clients is sensible — not paranoid.
Record Keeping
Keep records of:
- Your lone worker risk assessment
- Check-in logs (or app records)
- Training given to lone workers on the procedure
Site Safety UK helps you produce lone worker risk assessments as part of your wider RAMS documentation.
