What is a lone worker ? Definition and legal obligations.

The issue of safety at work is more relevant than ever, particularly where lone workers are concerned. UK regulations put forward strict measures to protect these workers, who are often more vulnerable to the risks of accidents or attacks.

What does the term ‘lone worker’ really mean? What exactly is the definition and what are the legal obligations imposed on employers to guarantee their safety? This article aims to clarify these essential points and explain the legislative framework in UK.

​Definition of a lone worker

A lone worker is defined as an employee who performs its duties out of sight or hearing of other people, making it difficult to provide immediate assistance in the event of an incident. Isolation can be temporary or permanent, and can occur in a variety of contexts: for example, a security guard working at night, a worker on a remote site or a maintenance employee in a deserted building.

It is important to note that isolation is not just a question of physical distance. An employee can be considered to be isolated even if he is in close proximity to other people, as long as he does not have the opportunity to interact with them in case of immediate need. This criterion broadens the definition of a lone worker and applies to a wide range of sectors, from construction and public works to logistics, private security and healthcare.

Examples of lone worker occupations

N°1

Paul is a cleaner in a school. Every evening, after the students and staff have gone home, he works alone to clean the classrooms, corridors and toilets. One evening, as he was washing the floor of a staircase, he slipped and fell, injuring his ankle. He couldn't get up and couldn't reach his phone, which had been left in the previous room.

As Paul was alone in the building, no-one heard him fall or noticed he was gone. With no warning system or regular check, he remained on the ground for a long time before a colleague in charge of the late-night rounds found him by chance.

This situation shows that a lone worker, even in a quiet environment such as a school, can find himself in danger if he has no way of alerting someone quickly in case of a problem. 

N°2

On a construction site, Marc is part of a team installing underground pipelines. Although the crew is working together on the same site, they are spread out across different zones. Marc is assigned to an area behind a large earth mound, out of sight from his colleagues. Around him, heavy machinery like excavators and jackhammers are operating, generating constant loud noise that makes verbal communication impossible.

At one point, Marc slips while entering a poorly supported trench and injures his leg. He calls for help, but no one can hear or see him. Although he’s technically part of a team, he is effectively isolated, with no immediate assistance available.

This example clearly shows that a worker can be considered “lone” or “isolated” even on a busy site, if they are out of visual or audible range and unable to summon help quickly in case of an incident.

Risks and challenges faced by lone workers

Common hazards for lone workers

Lone workers are particularly vulnerable to a variety of specific risks. Among the most common risks are accidents in the workplace, illness and assault.

In certain sectors of activity, such as private security or work on industrial sites, these risks are even higher. Lone workers may find it difficult to get help in the event of a fall, cut or other emergency, which can exacerbate the consequences of an accident.

Legal responsibilities for employers

Compliance with health and safety regulations

In the UK, employers have specific legal responsibilities to protect lone workers, even though there is no single law dedicated solely to them. The duties are set out in several key pieces of legislation:

1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

This is the primary law governing workplace health and safety. It requires employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees—including those working alone.

2. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

These regulations require employers to carry out a risk assessment for all employees, including lone workers. They must identify potential risks of lone working and put in place measures to reduce or eliminate them.

Employer duty of care

3. Key Legal Duties of Employers

• Risk assessment: Employers must determine whether it is safe for tasks to be done alone, and what specific risks are involved.
• Control measures: Depending on the risk, this may involve regular check-ins, lone worker alarms, or ensuring some tasks are never done alone.
• Training and instruction: Lone workers must be properly trained and informed about risks and emergency procedures.
• Supervision: Employers must ensure appropriate direct supervision, which could be remote (e.g. phone calls, apps) or in-person, depending on the nature of the work.

Failing to comply with these duties can lead to enforcement action or prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In terms of fatal injuries, in 2023, 135 workers died as a result of work-related accidents across the UK. Of these, 49% worked in sectors with a high exposure to lone working (construction, agriculture, transport, etc.)

Finally, among lone workers, only 36% report to their employer situations where they have felt unsafe, and 55% feel that their safety is not taken seriously.

​Safety solutions for lone workers

Technology for lone worker safety

Preventive measures for lone workers have evolved considerably over the years, thanks in particular to technological innovations. Many solutions are now available to guarantee their safety.

Lone worker protection systems have been considerably modernised. These devices include geolocation technologies, fall detectors and automatic alert systems. Some devices can even send an alert to a rescue team as soon as an abnormal situation is detected, such as prolonged immobility or loss of verticality.

Training also plays a crucial role in risk prevention. Lone workers must be trained in emergency procedures and know how to react in the event of a critical situation. In addition, regular crisis simulation exercises can be used to test the effectiveness of the safety measures put in place.

⏳ TO SUM UP ⌛

Protecting lone workers is a priority for employers. Legislation imposes strict rules on safety and prevention, and technological advances now offer effective solutions for reducing risks. It is therefore essential for companies to comply with their legal obligations, not only to avoid penalties, but also to guarantee the well-being and safety of their employees. The stakes are high: protecting human lives.