LON/Specific Roles/TBT-LON-010

Lone Working Policy and Procedures

Lone Working › Specific Roles › Lone Working Policy and Procedures

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Location		Date

Lone workers carry out tasks without close or direct supervision from colleagues.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and MHSWR 1999 apply equally to lone workers.
A lone working policy sets out the rules, procedures, and responsibilities for lone work.
Employers must risk assess whether the work can be safely carried out by a person alone.
Some tasks must never be done alone, including confined space entry and live electrical work.
Check-in procedures and monitoring systems are essential for lone worker safety.
Lone workers are more vulnerable to violence, medical emergencies, and accidents without help.
A buddy system or lone worker device provides a safety net if the worker is incapacitated.
Training must cover emergency procedures, communication systems, and self-risk assessment.
Failure to manage lone working has resulted in enforcement action by the HSE.

Legal duty	Employers are legally required to assess and control risks to lone workers under the MHSWR 1999.
Emergency response	Without colleagues nearby, an injured lone worker may not be found in time to receive life-saving treatment.
Accountability	A clear policy ensures everyone understands the rules and responsibilities for lone working on site.

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See also: Lone Working Awareness | Communication and Check-In Procedures

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