Lone Worker policy

May 2026

Introduction

There is often confusion/concern about the circumstances in which it is, or is not, safe to work alone. There is no general legal prohibition on working alone, but risk assessments should specifically consider whether the fact that a person is likely to undertake a task alone creates an unacceptable level of risk.

Establishing safe working for lone workers is no different from organising the safety of other employees, but it is necessary to consider any particular additional hazards of lone working. The aim is that lone workers are not exposed to greater risk than other workers.

This document gives general guidance on working alone. It offers advice on how to comply with duties towards lone workers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The Parish Council's Policy

The Council is responsible for the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees, visitors and contractors and the safety of those affected by its work, including members of the public.

These responsibilities cannot be transferred to people who work alone. It is the Council’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risk where necessary. Employees have responsibilities to take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their work and to co-operate with the Council in meeting its legal obligations.

Who Are Lone Workers?

Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. They are found in a wide range of situations, including where only one person works on the premises, such as in an office or home working.

Issues to be considered

The main issues to be considered in the risk assessment are:-

Is there risk of violence?
Is the person medically (and psychologically) fit to work alone?
Is any special training required?
Are the individual(s) concerned and any necessary safe working practices adequately monitored?
Are there adequate arrangements in the event of an emergency?
Can all plant, substances and equipment involved in the work be safely handled and/or operated by one person?

Assessing the risks

Although there is no general legal prohibition on working alone, the duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 still apply. These require identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting suitable control measures in place.

It is important to consult employees and their safety representatives, as they are a valuable source of information and advice. Consultation on health and safety matters is also a legal requirement.

Controlling the risk

Control measures may include instruction, training, supervision, protective equipment, mobile phones, and ‘calling-in systems’.

The Council will take reasonable steps to ensure control measures are used and will review risk assessments periodically to ensure they remain suitable and sufficient.

Where risk assessment shows that lone working is not safe, arrangements for assistance or back-up will be put in place. Where work is carried out at another employer’s premises, that employer should inform the Council of any risks and relevant control measures.

Risk assessment should determine the appropriate level of supervision required. Some activities may not be suitable for lone working.

Safe Working Arrangements

Establishing safe working for lone workers is no different from organising safety for other employees. The Council will ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements and seek advice where necessary before confirming that work can be undertaken safely by a lone worker.

Lone workers face particular risks. The following issues require specific attention:

Can the risk of the job be adequately controlled by one person? Lone workers should not be at greater risk than other employees. This may require additional control measures. Precautions should consider normal work and foreseeable emergencies such as fire, equipment failure, illness or accident.
Does the workplace present a special risk to the lone worker?
Are there safe means of access and exit for one person?
Is there a risk of violence? The risk assessment should consider all relevant factors, including vulnerability.
Is the person medically fit and suitable to work alone? Medical suitability should be considered where necessary, including both physical and mental health factors.
What training is required? Training is particularly important where supervision is limited. Lone workers must be competent to recognise risks and follow procedures, including in emergency situations.

The Council will define the limits of what can and cannot be undertaken by lone workers.

Monitoring

Procedures will be in place to ensure lone workers remain safe. These may include:

Regular contact using mobile phone or landline
Agreed check-in/check-out procedures
Confirmation that the lone worker has returned safely after completing a task.

Emergencies

What happens if a person becomes ill, has an accident, or there is an emergency?

Lone workers must be capable of responding appropriately to foreseeable emergencies.
Risk assessments must identify foreseeable emergency situations.
Emergency procedures must be established and communicated to all staff.
Lone workers visiting premises must be informed of relevant emergency procedures and hazards.
Appropriate first aid provision must be available. Mobile workers should carry suitable first aid supplies where appropriate.

In some cases, risk assessment may indicate the need for first aid training for lone workers.

Control measures

Consider the following practical guidelines:

Lone workers outside normal working hours and in isolated buildings should inform a Councillor or designated person of their location, expected duration of work, and departure/return times (recorded appropriately).
Ensure a working telephone or communication device is available at all times.
Lone workers must not undertake high-risk or dangerous work, including the use of hazardous substances or dangerous machinery.
When undertaking off-site visits, the checklist below must be completed prior to the visit.

Offsite visit checklist for lone workers

Check	Yes	No
Is there a risk of violence?
Is there safe access and exit for one person?
Is manual handling undertaken?
Is the employee medically fit to carry out the lone working tasks?
Is there first aid provision?
Can an emergency service approach close enough if necessary?
Is there a clear understanding on how long the work will take?
Are transport arrangements adequate?
Is there a system for maintaining contact with the lone worker?
Is there CCTV on the site being visited (if applicable)?
Is the Clerk trained to deal with violence and aggression?
Does the Clerk know how to diffuse potentially violent situations?
Is the Clerk briefed about the areas they visit?
Does the Clerk have relevant all information on those being visited?
Has an itinerary been left?
Have plans been made to keep in contact with Councillors?
Has the Clerk the means to contact their Chairman?
Does the Clerk know how to complete an incident form?

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