Lone Working Safety: Procedures and Your Rights

Lone working — performing tasks where you are not in direct contact with colleagues — is common in many industrial and logistics roles. Night-shift security, out-of-hours warehouse replenishment, delivery driving, and remote site maintenance all involve periods of working alone. Your safety should never be compromised because you are on your own.

When Are You a Lone Worker?

You are classed as a lone worker when you work without close or direct supervision. Common examples include:

• Night-shift warehouse operatives where only one or two people are on site
• Delivery drivers on their routes
• Security guards
• Maintenance engineers attending remote sites
• Cleaners working outside normal business hours
• Workers in separate buildings or floors from colleagues

Your Employer's Legal Duties

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, your employer must:

• Carry out a risk assessment specifically for lone working
• Implement control measures to reduce identified risks
• Ensure lone workers are trained and competent for the tasks they perform alone
• Provide a means of communication — phone, radio, or lone worker device
• Establish check-in procedures — regular contact points to confirm your safety
• Have emergency procedures in place if contact is lost

Lone Worker Devices

Many employers issue dedicated lone worker devices or apps. These typically include:

• Man-down alarm — automatically triggers if the device detects a fall or no movement for a set period
• Panic button — a discreet SOS button that alerts a monitoring centre
• GPS tracking — so your location can be identified in an emergency
• Timed check-ins — you must confirm you are okay at regular intervals; missed check-ins trigger an alarm

Personal Safety Tips for Lone Workers

1. Always tell someone where you are and when you expect to finish
2. Keep your phone charged and with you at all times
3. Follow check-in procedures without fail — even if it seems pointless on a quiet night
4. Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, leave and report it
5. Know the location of first aid equipment, fire exits, and emergency contacts
6. Do not take unnecessary risks — if a task requires two people, do not attempt it alone
7. Lock doors and gates to prevent unauthorised access when working alone

What to Do If You Feel Unsafe

If your employer does not have adequate lone working procedures:

• Raise the concern with your supervisor or manager in writing
• Contact your health and safety representative
• If working through an agency, tell TRS Recruit — we will raise the issue with the client
• Contact the HSE if the employer fails to address the risk

TRS Recruit assesses lone working risks before placing workers in isolated roles. If you have concerns about lone working safety on any assignment, contact your consultant immediately.