Lone worker


A lone worker is an employee who performs an activity that is carried out in isolation from other workers without close or direct supervision. Such staff may be exposed to risk because there is no-one to assist them and so a risk assessment may be required. Lone workers are now often supported by cloud-based automated monitoring systems and specialised monitoring call centres - often referred to as an 'Alarm Receiving Centre' or 'ARC' in the UK, or 'Emergency Dispatch Center' or 'EDC' in the US.

Examples of lone workers

There are different types of lone workers including:

Countries with lone worker legislation

The following countries have enacted lone worker legislation:
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom

In Australia

Australia has legislation regarding lone workers and their employers. As of 1 January 2014, it has become compulsory for employers to monitor the health and well being of any of their employees working remotely or in isolated conditions. Control measures are now in place to ensure effective communication and worker monitoring are in place as well as access to assistance of emergency services for isolated or remote workers. Regulation 48 from the Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice 2011 outlines definitions of isolated and remote workers as well as possible control measures and should be read for more information in regard to this law.'
  • Guidance Note, Working Alone 2009

In Canada

The definition of a Lone Worker in Canada is someone who is alone at work or when they are on their own; when they cannot be seen or heard by another person. Lone worker regulations are complicated by the fact that there are fourteen jurisdictions – one federal, ten provincial and three territorial. Some of the provinces in Canada have enacted legislation regarding employer’s responsibility towards Lone Workers by having their governments create health and safety legislation. The legislations outline the general rights and responsibilities of the employer, the supervisor and the worker. Ontario, Nova Scotia and Yukon have no lone worker specific regulations.

Alberta

Additional Province-issued documents include:
  • Working Alone Safely – A Guide for Employers and Employees 2000

British Columbia

  • Working Alone or in Isolation Regulation 2011
  • WorkSafeBC OHS Regulations General Conditions Part 4 2009

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

In France

France has enacted laws protecting lone workers.

In Germany

Germany has codified laws mandating when it is legal to work alone and how those workers must be protected.
  • § 5 Arbeitsschutzgesetz

In Ireland

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland identifies lone workers as those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Anybody who works alone, including contractors, self-employed people and employee, is classed as a lone worker.
Legislation relevant to the safety of lone workers in Ireland:
  • Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Reglulations 1997

In New Zealand

Employment New Zealand defines working alone as ‘Working alone is when work is done in a location where the employee can’t physically see or talk to other staff.’
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires employers to maintain regular contact with employees working alone or in isolation, if this is not possible, they should check in with a designated person at regular intervals. The employer must also provide an effective means of getting help quickly in an emergency.

In Spain

Spain has codified laws governing the protection of lone workers.
  • Ley 31/1995 de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales 1995

In the United Kingdom

The UK has a Code of practice relating to the 'Provision of lone worker services' via the British Standard, BS 8484.
In August 2016, the standard was republished, and BS 8484:2016 was introduced.
The standard was updated again in March 2022, and republished as BS 8484:2022.
Other UK legislation relevant to the safety of lone workers:
In November 2015, the Sentencing Council introduced a 'Definitive Guideline for Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety and Hygiene Offences', effective in sentencing from 1 February 2016. Fines imposed are considered in accordance with several factors:
  • the culpability of an organisation or individual;
  • the likelihood of harm;
  • financial information relating to an organisation - i.e. fines can now be directly linked to the turnover of a business or the earnings of an individual

Managing lone workers

Common practices used by companies to manage the personal safety of their Lone Workers are:
  • Conducting Risk Assessments
  • Documenting a Lone Worker Policy
  • Implementation of a Buddy System
  • Lone Worker Training
  • Conflict Management Training
  • Use of monitoring systems and equipment.