Currently there is no law specific to lone working in the UK. However if you employ lone workers, Health & Safety regulations state that you have a duty of care to ensure they are safe whilst they are at work. It is vital that you understand the regulations for those working alone. This is because they will always face higher risks without anyone there to support them should things go wrong.
The definition of lone workers
The term "lone worker" refers to anyone who works by themselves, without direct or close supervision. So the first step to protecting your lone workers is to identify all of those people who work alone in your business. This could include, for example, home workers, hybrid workers, remote workers, engineers, delivery drivers or care workers.
Lone worker regulations
As an employer, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a general duty of care to maintain safe working arrangements for your staff. There is another duty under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 which specifies that you must manage all risks to your lone workers by carrying out a risk assessment of the hazards to which your employees are exposed.
Employer responsibilities
To meet these lone worker regulations as an employer you must:
- Conduct a full risk assessment which identifies and assesses the risks posed to your lone workers. Once you know the risks your lone workers face it is important to identify the steps required to protect them from these.
- Provide training to ensure lone workers understand the risks they face and what to do in unexpected or uncertain situations. You should also provide training to make sure they can competently deal with the requirements of the job and can confidently use lone worker solutions, where applicable.
- Put emergency procedures in place and train lone workers in how to use them. These should include guidance on how and when lone workers should contact their employer, as well as details of any emergency contacts.
- Keep in touch and have visibility of your lone workers whilst they are at work. This may be through regular calls, meetings or visits and/or by implementing a solution such as lone worker alarms.
- Make employees aware of their responsibilities including following correct safety procedures, reporting hazards and using safety equipment.
Compliance with regulations
It is imperative that you comply with lone worker regulations otherwise you face the consequences of:
- a tragedy in the workplace, should something terrible happen
- a damaged reputation
- a hefty fine
Creating and implementing a lone worker policy supports compliance of these regulations. A lone worker policy provides guidance for employers and employees on lone working and clarifies roles, responsibilities and procedures. It also includes Health & Safety advice, information on how to report safety concerns, and details of how to respond in an emergency.
In summary, there are Health & Safety regulations in the UK which specify that you must manage the risks faced by your lone workers. To ensure you meet these regulations you must carry out a risk assessment, provide employee training, put emergency procedures in place and keep in touch with your lone workers whilst they are at work. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in damage to your reputation, a hefty fine or a tragedy at work, should the worst happen.
