Lone Working: Practical Steps to Keep Staff Safe

Posted on November 28, 2025

Lone working is becoming increasingly common across all industries – from construction, manufacturing and engineering, to care homes, hotels, offices and professional services.

Whether it’s a site operative working in a remote area, a maintenance engineer travelling between jobs, or a member of staff locking up at the end of the day, employers have a legal duty to ensure that lone workers are not exposed to greater risk simply because they are working alone.

The HSE doesn’t prohibit lone working, but it does require employers to assess the risks properly and put suitable controls in place. With many businesses relying on staff working independently, now is a good time to review your arrangements.

Understanding the Risks

Lone workers face the same hazards as everyone else, but without immediate help if something goes wrong. Typical risks include:

Slips, trips and falls
Medical emergencies
Violence or aggression from the public
Using machinery, ladders or tools without supervision
Working in remote, unfamiliar or low-traffic areas
Driving between sites

The key issue is delayed response. Even a minor incident can become serious if help cannot be summoned quickly.

Planning and Communication

A strong lone-working system starts with a solid risk assessment. Think about:

Where staff are working
What tasks they are doing
When they are working (e.g. late evenings, weekends)
Who they may encounter
How they will call for help

Clear communication is essential. Lone workers should know exactly who to contact in an emergency, and supervisors must understand when and how to check in with staff.

A simple check-in/check-out system works well for most environments. This could be as straightforward as a WhatsApp message, a call to the office, or a digital solution. Whatever system you use, it must be reliable, and someone must always be responsible for monitoring it.

Practical Controls That Make a Difference

There are many simple controls employers can implement:

Provide lone workers with fully charged mobile phones or radios
Ensure staff have access to first-aid supplies and basic emergency training
Use buddy systems for higher-risk tasks
Avoid lone working for high-risk activities such as hot works, work at height or certain machinery
Provide training on personal safety, especially for staff entering homes or public spaces
Keep emergency contact details up to date and accessible

Where staff regularly work off-site, consider using lone-worker devices or apps that include GPS tracking, panic alarms and automatic welfare checks.

Creating a Supportive Culture

Finally, encourage staff to speak up if they feel unsafe working alone. Supervisors should treat concerns seriously and adjust arrangements where required. A positive, open culture helps prevent incidents and reassures staff that their welfare is a priority.

Good lone-working procedures don’t need to be complicated or expensive. By planning ahead, communicating clearly and reviewing risks regularly, you can keep your teams safe, wherever they’re working.