A lone working risk assessment must be completed before any person is permitted to work alone on a construction site. The assessment considers the nature of the task, the location, the individual's competence and health, communication arrangements, and emergency procedures. Some tasks are simply too dangerous for lone workers and must be prohibited. The assessment must be documented, communicated to the worker, and reviewed whenever circumstances change.
Key Hazards
Unassessed risks leading to lone workers being exposed to uncontrolled hazards
High-risk tasks being carried out alone without appropriate support or backup
Medical emergencies occurring with no one available to provide assistance
Communication failure leaving lone workers unable to summon help
Control Measures
Assess each lone working situation individually considering the task, location, and person.
Identify which tasks are too high-risk for lone working and prohibit them explicitly.
Ensure the lone worker is competent, fit, and willing to work alone for the planned task.
Establish a reliable communication method: mobile phone, radio, or lone worker safety device.
Agree check-in intervals and the escalation procedure if a check-in is missed.
Ensure the lone worker knows the site emergency plan and how to summon help from their location.
Document the risk assessment and brief the lone worker on all findings and controls.
Provide adequate first aid equipment and training proportionate to the assessed risks.
Review the assessment regularly and after any incident, near miss, or change in circumstances.
Remember
A documented lone working risk assessment is a legal requirement before anyone works alone.
Some tasks including confined space entry and work at height must never be carried out alone.
The assessment must consider the task, location, person, communication, and emergency response.
Check-in procedures are essential — agree the frequency and follow the escalation protocol strictly.
Lone workers must be competent, trained in first aid, and equipped with reliable communications.
Review the assessment whenever circumstances change, not just at the start of the contract.
Applicable Legislation: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · CDM Regulations 2015