05/05/2026
A lone worker is a person who works by themselves without close or direct supervision, where help may not be immediately available if something goes wrong. Lone workers can be found in construction, security, maintenance, delivery, agriculture, healthcare, utilities, laboratories, and field inspections.
Examples include:
A night security guard
A maintenance technician in a remote plant
A truck driver
A field engineer
A healthcare worker making home visits
Risks involved in lone working
Some common hazards include:
1. Medical emergencies
Examples: heart attack, fainting, dehydration, seizures, severe injury.
2. Accidents and injuries
Examples: slips, trips, falls, cuts, burns, electric shock, machinery entanglement.
3. Violence or aggression
Examples: threats, robbery, assault from members of the public or intruders.
4. Environmental hazards
Examples: extreme heat, poor weather, low lighting, isolated locations.
5. Communication failure
Unable to call for help due to poor network coverage or device failure.
6. Mental stress and fatigue
Isolation can affect concentration, decision-making, and mental wellbeing.
7. Hazardous work situations
Examples: working at height, confined spaces, electrical work, chemical handling.
Control measures using the Hierarchy of Controls
1. Elimination (Most effective)
Remove the need for lone working completely. Examples:
Schedule the task when others are present.
Use team-based work instead of solo work.
2. Substitution
Replace the task with a safer method. Examples:
Use remote inspection technology instead of sending a worker into isolated areas.
Replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.
3. Engineering Controls
Physically reduce exposure to hazards. Examples:
Install CCTV, panic alarms, GPS tracking.
Use automatic shut-off systems on machinery.
Improve lighting and access controls.
4. Administrative Controls
Change how work is organized. Examples:
Conduct risk assessments before lone work.
Permit-to-work systems.
Regular check-in/check-out procedures.
Communication plans.
Emergency response procedures.
Training on conflict management and first aid.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Least effective)
Protect the worker if hazards remain. Examples:
Hard hats, gloves, safety boots, reflective clothing.
Personal gas detectors.
Fall arrest harnesses.
Quick safety message:
“If no one can see you, someone must still be able to reach you.”