Lone Workers in the UK
Why should we talk about Lone Workers? 
It is estimated that 6.8 million people are lone workers, that is 22% of the 31.2m UK working population. They spend periods of their day outside of direct contact or supervision of their colleagues and management.
As lone workers we are under the responsibility of our employers during our work hours, and the environment in which we work must be as safe as it can be. Our employers have to accept responsibility for lone worker safety whether we are in the office, on the shop floor, in a vehicle, in the street or if we knock on someones door to make a home visit.
In organisations that take a responsible view they will understand that lone workers are especially open to risks which cannot always be managed. They will therefore write a Lone Worker Policy and work with staff to explain it, make sure it is sensible, and then follow up its implementation to ensure it is being followed. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) make a point of checking these policies when they make their visits - and then audit compliance at worker/user level.
Why should employers protect lone workers?
We understand that employers are eager to ensure that every member of their team enjoys the peace of mind of being comfortable and safety at work. We are also aware that employers are equally committed to meeting their legal responsibilities relating to lone workers.
Follow the link to find out more on lone worker issues
Are you a lone worker?
The HSE define lone workers as 'those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision'
The below examples illustrate some of the situations and environments a lone worker may find themselves in;
- People in fixed establishments
- People who work from home
- People working separately from others, eg in factories, warehouses, some research and training establishments, leisure centres or fairgrounds
- People working outside normal hours, eg cleaners and security, production, maintenance or repair staff
- Mobile workers outside of their fixed base
- Agricultural and forestry workers
- Service workers, eg rent collectors, postal staff, social workers, home helps,doctors, district nurses, pest control workers, drivers, engineers, architects,estate agents, sales representatives and similar professionals visiting domestic and commercial premises
If you would like to discuss your lone working issues please contact us on 0845 543 2087 or email sales@peoplesafe.co.uk