Legal requirements around lone working

Whether they’re a security guard, delivery driver, or even working from home, being alone on the job can expose your team to unique risks. Some of these include:

• A lack of welfare facilities
• Violence from the public
• Medical emergencies
• Social isolation
• Driving-related risks. 

While these risks might sound concerning, it’s essential to remember that there are scenarios where working alone is safe. However, employers have a legal obligation to carefully consider the safety of their lone workers before assigning them to such roles.

Legislation for Lone Workers

There are several laws in place, even if they were not specifically created for lone working. Let’s go through four key pieces of legislation that apply:

First up is The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: This requires employers to identify risks and implement reasonable measures to ensure a safe working environment. Employees must also be provided with necessary information and training for their safety. 

Next is the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations support the Health and Safety at Work Act and focus on risk assessment and procedures to mitigate risks. Under this act, Employers have responsibilities like

• Conducting lone working risk assessments
• Providing communication channels 
• Ensuring employees can perform their tasks safely
• Considering medical conditions that may impact lone working 

Now let’s look at the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007: This act places the responsibility on employers to maintain a safe working environment. Failure to do so can result in corporate manslaughter charges if a fatality occurs. Senior management must comply with the regulations and provide training not just for lone workers but also for those managing them. 

And lastly The Health & Safety Offences Act 2008: This act reinforces health and safety duties and lays out penalties for breaches. Fines and potential imprisonment await those found guilty of not meeting their obligations. 

Responsibilities of Lone Workers

Now, you might be wondering if lone workers have responsibilities too, and the answer is yes! Lone workers must:

• Attend any health and safety training provided by their employer.
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and those affected by their work.
• Work with their employers on risk assessments and necessary information.
• Report potential safety hazards.
• Comply with lone-working policies, such as using lone-working alarms properly.
• Disclose any medical conditions or disabilities that might make lone working unsuitable for them.

Next Steps to Protect Your Lone Workers

So, what can employers do to ensure they’re meeting all these lone worker legislation requirements? Well, it all starts with conducting a thorough risk assessment. If you don’t have one already, you can use our five-step risk assessment guide, which includes expert advice from Health and Safety managers and guidance from the HSE.

And if you already have a risk assessment in place, take a look at our lone worker policy template. This can help you manage your team’s safety moving forward.

If you’re looking for a lone worker solution to add to your control measures identified in the risk assessment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can discuss flexible options tailored to your organisation’s needs.