Lone Working Policy UK: What Employers Must Know
A lone working policy is a vital document for any UK business where employees work alone without direct supervision. Whether in remote locations, outside normal hours, or in high-risk roles, lone workers face unique challenges. Implementing a clear and robust policy protects both your employees and your organisation.
What Is a Lone Working Policy?
This policy is a formal set of guidelines that outlines how your organisation manages the health, safety, and wellbeing of lone workers. It identifies who qualifies as a lone worker, the risks involved, and the procedures in place to reduce those risks.
In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure the safety of all employees, including those working alone. While there’s no specific legal requirement to have a lone working policy, having one demonstrates your commitment to compliance and risk management.
Who Needs a Lone Working Policy?
Many industries require a policy, including:
- Healthcare and social care (e.g. home visits)
- Security and maintenance services
- Delivery drivers and mobile engineers
- Retail staff opening or closing alone
- Remote or field-based employees
If any member of your team works in isolation, even temporarily, your business needs a policy.
Key Elements
A strong policy should include:
1. Definition
Clearly define who is considered a lone worker in your organisation.
2. Risk Assessments
Assess specific risks associated with roles, such as:
- Physical injury
- Mental wellbeing concerns
- Delayed emergency response
- Violence or aggression
3. Safety Procedures
Your policy should outline procedures for:
- Regular check-ins or monitoring systems
- Emergency contact protocols
- Use of personal safety devices or apps
4. Training and Awareness
Employees must be trained to understand your policy, the risks they may face, and how to stay safe.
5. Reporting and Review
Outline how incidents should be reported and how the lone working policy will be reviewed regularly.
Why Is a Lone Working Policy Important?
Failing to have a this policy can leave your business exposed to legal risks and repetitional damage. It also sends a poor message to staff about your commitment to their safety. With a clear working policy, you:
- Protect your employees from avoidable risks
- Demonstrate due diligence and legal compliance
- Foster a culture of safety and support
- Minimise business disruption from accidents or emergencies
Lone Working Policy Template
Need a starting point? A lone working template should include:
- Policy statement
- Scope and purpose
- Roles and responsibilities
- Risk assessment details
- Communication and monitoring procedures
- Emergency procedures
- Policy review dates
You can tailor this policy template to your business needs and sector-specific risks.
Conclusion
A clear and effective policy is not just best practice—it’s a crucial step in protecting your team and your business. Whether you manage a large workforce or a small team, ensuring lone workers are safe and supported is a legal and moral responsibility.
If your organisation doesn’t yet have a lone working policy, now is the time to create one, train your staff, and embed safety into your workplace culture.
