As the clocks go back and the UK heads into the colder, darker winter months, employers and managers of lone workers must reassess and strengthen safety procedures. For many, the shift to darker evenings isn’t just an inconvenience, it heightens existing risks and brings new risks that can’t be ignored, particularly for lone workers .
Whether your lone workers are making home visits, driving between jobs, or working outdoors, reduced daylight hours can significantly increase vulnerability. From increased risks of slips, trips and falls to a higher chance of accidents, ill-health and personal safety threats, winter brings unique challenges that demand a proactive approach.
Lone workers operate across a wide range of industries, but some job roles are particularly impacted by the seasonal change:
Community healthcare workers making evening home visits in unfamiliar neighbourhoods
Security personnel patrolling large or poorly lit areas
Maintenance and utility workers fixing infrastructure in remote outdoor locations
Delivery drivers and mobile workers on the roads for extended hours
Retail and hospitality staff working late night shifts or closing venues alone
Construction workers on time-sensitive projects operating in low-light conditions
Each of these roles may face increased personal safety concerns, reduced visibility, isolation in remote areas, or exposure to poor weather—all while often being out of regular contact with their team.
Managers and supervisors can prepare now to protect lone workers before the clocks go back in October. Here’s how:
Evaluate all lone worker activities with the added context of shorter daylight hours and deteriorating weather. Are there tasks that should no longer be carried out alone in the dark? Should shift times be adjusted? What additional PPE or safety equipment might your lone workers need?
If your teams are outdoors or on the move, make sure they’re equipped with high-visibility clothing, torches, or headlamps. Poor lighting is a major contributor to accidents.
Now is the perfect time to ensure all lone workers are using a reliable safety system, such as a lone worker solution. Devices like LONEALERT’s SOS Fob, Safety Watch, or Lone Worker App can provide real-time monitoring, check-in functions, GPS tracking and panic alerts. These are vital during the winter when response times may be slower and poor visibility makes it more difficult to locate workers.
Empower staff with updated training that includes how to handle emergencies in dark or icy conditions, spot signs of hypothermia and fatigue, and communicate when mobile signal is poor.
Use weather alerts and road safety updates to help lone workers plan their journeys, and make real-time decisions about whether it's safe to continue working.
Foster open communication. Lone workers should feel confident reporting hazards, requesting support, or escalating concerns—especially when working in higher-risk conditions.
Those that work alone are more susceptible to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can exacerbate existing mental health problems or be the catalyst for conditions such as anxiety and depression. During the winter months some workers may also suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.
A simple, regular check-in or catch-up (via phone, video, or messaging) will help your teams feel seen, heard, and connected. Even though it may seem insignificant, a predictable weekly call or morning-of-shift check-in can go a long way in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The shift to darker evenings is inevitable, and so is the increase in risks to lone workers. However, by acting now, employers can significantly reduce the increased risks lone workers face during the dark, winter months.
At LONEALERT, we’re here to support you with specialist lone worker safety solutions tailored to all industries and risk levels. If you want to discuss how to better protect your staff this winter, get in touch today.
Stay safe. Stay visible. Stay connected.