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Lone Working at Night

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Lone Working at Night

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-LON-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
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What?

  • Lone working at night combines two high-risk factors: isolation and reduced visibility.
  • Examples include night security patrols, equipment monitoring, dewatering checks, and emergency call-outs.
  • The risk of slips, trips, and falls increases significantly in darkness even with task lighting.
  • Lone night workers are more vulnerable to assault, especially on urban or publicly accessible sites.
  • Fatigue impairs judgement and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents overnight.
  • Medical emergencies are harder to detect and respond to when no one else is present.
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require specific lone working risk assessments.
  • Communication failures are more likely at night due to poor mobile signal or flat batteries.
  • Employers must ensure lone night workers have reliable means of raising an alarm at all times.
  • A welfare check-in system with defined escalation intervals is a minimum control measure.

Why?

Prevent fatalitiesA lone worker who suffers an injury or medical emergency at night may not be found for hours without proper monitoring systems.
Legal dutyThe MHSWR 1999 and HSE guidance HSG48 require employers to assess and control risks specific to lone working situations.
Personal securityNight workers on construction sites face risks from intruders, trespassers, and opportunistic criminals, particularly in urban areas.
Fatigue risksNight shift workers are significantly more likely to make errors leading to incidents due to disrupted sleep patterns and reduced alertness.
Do Don't
  • Complete a specific risk assessment covering lone working at night hazards.
  • Carry a fully charged mobile phone and a backup communication device.
  • Use a check-in system with agreed intervals and escalation procedures.
  • Ensure adequate task lighting is available for all work areas at night.
  • Know the site emergency plan and location of first aid equipment.
  • Tell someone your expected location and estimated return time.
  • Carry a personal alarm or lone worker safety device at all times.
  • Take regular breaks and manage fatigue during overnight shifts.
  • Keep vehicle doors locked and park in well-lit areas on site.
  • Report any security concerns or suspicious activity immediately.
  • DON'T work alone at night without a completed risk assessment in place.
  • DON'T skip scheduled check-in calls or assume someone knows your location.
  • DON'T enter confined spaces, excavations, or work at height while alone.
  • DON'T ignore signs of fatigue such as drowsiness or poor concentration.
  • DON'T prop open site security gates or leave access points unlocked.
  • DON'T rely on a single communication device with no backup available.
  • DON'T undertake high-risk tasks that normally require a second person present.
  • DON'T confront intruders or trespassers; withdraw and call for assistance.
  • DON'T disable or ignore lone worker alarm devices during your shift.
  • DON'T assume the site is safe because it was clear during daytime hours.

See also: Lone Working Awareness | Night Working Safety Awareness
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