Here we discuss the risks faced by lone working engineers and how they can be mitigated...
The term "engineer" can cover a vast array of job roles; from civil engineers to electrical engineers to mechanical engineers and engineers working in sectors such as mining, utilities and even defence. Many of these engineers work alone, for example when working in someone's home or business or in confined, awkward spaces. This adds risk to an already risky job role, often due to the tasks carried out and machines & equipment used. So, if you have lone working engineers working in your organisation here are the most common risks they face and what you can do to mitigate them:
The risk: Without immediate support, even a minor injury such as a trip or fall can escalate if medical help is delayed. In more serious cases—such as electrical shocks, equipment malfunction, or chemical exposure—the consequences can be life-threatening.
How to mitigate:
Implement a robust check-in/check-out system, ensuring someone is always aware of the location of your lone working engineers and their expected return time.
Provide regular first aid training and ensure your lone working engineers have accessible, up-to-date first aid kits.
The risk: Engineers working alone in remote locations may encounter areas of poor mobile phone signal or black spots, leaving them unable to call for help or update their status.
How to mitigate:
Use satellite phones or lone worker devices with satellite connectivity to allow them to communicate areas with poor signal.
Consider using lone worker apps that automatically raise alerts if communication is lost for a set period.
Schedule regular call-ins or status updates with your lone working engineers with a central office or supervisor.
The risk: Engineers working alone in public areas or on customer sites may face aggression, particularly if handling disputes, utility disconnections, or sensitive infrastructure.
How to mitigate:
Conduct risk assessments for locations or clients with known histories of hostility, where possible.
Train engineers in conflict de-escalation and situational awareness.
Enable real-time location monitoring and emergency duress alerts. This can be done by implementing a lone worker solution.
The risk: Isolation can lead to increased stress, anxiety, or depression. Long hours and irregular shifts can also raise the risk of fatigue, reducing alertness and increasing the chance of errors.
How to mitigate:
Promote a supportive workplace culture where mental health is openly discussed.
Ensure reasonable working hours and rotate shifts to prevent burnout.
Offer access to mental health resources, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or give lone workers the time they need to speak to a mental health professional or a mental health charity.
The risk: Engineers often work in challenging environments—such as confined spaces, heights, or hazardous weather conditions—each with its own safety concerns.
How to mitigate:
Provide thorough training on hazard recognition and safe working procedures.
Equip workers with appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) for their specific tasks.
Use remote monitoring technology like drones or sensors to reduce the need for physical presence in risky environments.
In summary, safety for lone working engineers isn’t just about tools, PPE and procedures—it’s about cultivating a mindset of vigilance, responsibility, and continuous improvement. It is your job as an employer to lead the way by embedding lone working policies into your organisational culture and leveraging technology to provide real-time support and oversight.
By ensuring lone working risk assessments are complete and up to date, lone working engineers are provided with the right tools, training and communication systems and lone worker mental health is proritised you can ensure that your lone working engineers are both productive and protected.