Discover important facts about lone working and how it can impact the safety and wellbeing of your lone workers.
There are an estimated 6.8 million people working alone in the UK
This means that a significant number of individuals are exposed to the potential risks and challenges associated with working alone.
Working alone can be isolating and may increase the vulnerability of individuals, making it essential to have proper safety measures in place to protect your lone workers.
Your current safety procedures may not be as effective as you think
When it comes to lone working, your current safety procedures may not be as effective as you think.
Lone workers face unique risks and challenges that may not be adequately addressed by general safety procedures. So it is crucial to assess and enhance your safety protocols specifically for lone workers to ensure their wellbeing and minimise potential hazards.
Lone working risk assessments are required by law
Did you know that lone working risk assessments are required by law? The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires UK employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees, including those who work alone. These risk assessments are crucial for ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of lone workers across various industries. Conducting a risk assessment involves identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate control measures to mitigate risks.
The primary goal of a lone working risk assessment is to:
- Identify potential hazards specific to lone working situations.
- Evaluate the likelihood and severity of these hazards.
- Implement measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
- Ensure compliance with legal obligations and safety standards.
It is important to keep records of these risk assessments as part of your legal obligation and responsibility as an employer.
Working from home is recognised as a form of lone working
Many employers often do not realise that fully remote or even hybrid working roles are recognised as a form of lone working.
While it may seem like a comfortable and familiar environment, working from home still carries potential risks and challenges. To reduce the risks of working alone you should ensure that adequate safety measures such as a check-in system are in place. It's essential that you have regular catch ups with your lone workers to improve communication, and ensure there is an easy way for them to reach out if they need to.
Compliance and penalties
Ensuring the safety of lone workers is not just a moral obligation but also a legal requirement for employers in the UK. Failing to comply with safety regulations can lead to serious consequences, including legal action, significant fines and damage to a company’s reputation.
Following regulations is essential to avoid such consequences and ensure a safe working environment.
Find out more about managing lone workers and lone worker best practices on our what is a lone worker section of our website.
