Violence and Aggression (Lone Workers)

Lone workers on construction sites face risk of verbal abuse, threats, and physical assault from the public.
Workers most at risk include security guards, surveyors, meter readers, and those working in occupied buildings.
Urban sites, highway works, and work near residential properties increase the likelihood of confrontation.
Alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues in members of the public escalate verbal encounters into violence.
A lone worker who is assaulted has no colleague nearby to intervene, call for help, or provide first aid.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess violence risk.
De-escalation training teaches workers to recognise warning signs and defuse confrontations safely.
Personal safety devices with panic buttons alert a monitoring centre when the worker activates them.
Site security measures including fencing, lighting, and CCTV deter unauthorised access and aggression.
Every violent or threatening incident must be reported and investigated regardless of whether injury occurred.

Physical harm	Lone workers assaulted without colleagues nearby suffer serious injuries with no immediate help available.
Psychological impact	Verbal abuse and threats cause anxiety, stress, and reluctance to work alone, affecting mental health.
Legal duty	MHSWR 1999 requires employers to assess and control the risk of violence to workers, including lone workers.

Do

Don't

Assess the violence risk before sending anyone to work alone in high-risk locations.
Carry a personal safety device with a panic button during lone working shifts.
Attend de-escalation training to recognise warning signs and defuse confrontations.
Maintain a calm, non-threatening tone if confronted by an aggressive person.
Remove yourself from the situation and retreat to a safe location if threatened.
Call the police on 999 if you are in immediate danger from violence.
Report every incident of verbal abuse, threats, or physical assault to management.
Tell someone your location and expected movements before starting lone work.
Keep your vehicle locked and park in well-lit areas facing the exit route.
Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, leave and report it.

DON'T confront or argue with an aggressive person; disengage and withdraw safely.
DON'T work alone in locations with a known history of violence without extra controls.
DON'T carry weapons or items that could escalate a confrontation.
DON'T ignore verbal abuse or threats; report every incident formally.
DON'T block your own escape route when dealing with an aggressive individual.
DON'T attempt to physically restrain a member of the public under any circumstances.
DON'T dismiss your own concerns about a location; if it feels unsafe, leave.
DON'T work alone at night in high-risk areas without enhanced security measures.
DON'T keep incidents to yourself; sharing helps the employer improve controls.
DON'T assume it will not happen to you; violence against lone workers is common.

See also: Lone Working Awareness | Lone Working at Night

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