Worker Rights, The Law and how it affects you!

Who are lone workers?

Lone workers are 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.

Lone workers include:

• people in fixed establishments where only one person works on the premises, e.g. in small workshops, kiosks, petrol stations, shops and home-workers
• people work separately from others, e.g. in factories, warehouses, some research and training establishments, leisure centres or fairgrounds
• people who work outside normal hours, e.g. cleaners, security, special production, maintenance or repair staff, etc.
• people who work working away from their fixed base, e.g.  on construction, plant installation, maintenance and cleaning work, electrical repairs, lift repairs, painting and decorating, vehicle recovery, etc.
• agricultural and forestry workers
• service workers, e.g. rent collectors, postal staff, social workers, home helps, district nurses, pest control workers, drivers, engineers, architects, estate agents, sales representatives and similar professionals visiting domestic and commercial premises.

Are people legally allowed to work alone?

Yes. There is nothing specific in general legislation that prohibits a person from working alone. Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires the employer to undertake a risk assessment, and so this shall determine whether or not an employee may work alone. Therefore, in general, an employer must assess whether an employee is at significantly higher risk when working alone. However, employers must be aware of any specific legislation on lone working, which may be applicable to their specific industry, e.g. supervision in diving operations, vehicles carrying explosives.

What kind of hazards might lone workers be exposed to?

Hazards that lone workers may encounter include:

• accidents or emergencies arising out of the work, including inadequate provision of first aid
• sudden illnesses
• inadequate provision of rest, hygiene and welfare facilities
• physical violence from members of the public and/or intruders

What provisions should be in place for lone workers in the case of an emergency?

• Lone workers should be capable of responding correctly to emergencies. Risk assessment should identify foreseeable events.
• Emergency procedures should be established and employees trained in them.
• Information about emergency procedures and danger areas should be given to lone workers who visit your premises.
• Lone workers should have access to adequate first-aid facilities and mobile workers should carry a first-aid kit suitable for treating minor injuries.
• Occasionally, the risk assessment may indicate that lone workers need training in first aid.

Are there special factors to be considered for lone workers working at a remote location or/and in isolation?

For a lone worker at a remote location, the following factors must be considered:

• how long should the work take and how frequently should the worker report in
• has the worker a safe means of travel to and from the location, especially out of normal hours
• is there access to adequate rest, hygiene, refreshment, welfare and first aid facilities
• can emergency services approach the location without hindrance. Procedures for responding to ‘worst-

What if I am a lone worker, working from home?

An employer has the same responsibility for the safety and health of employees who work from home as for any other employees. This covers the provision of supervision, education and training and the implementation of sufficient control measures to protect the homeworker. The employer should accept liability for accident or injury of a homeworker as for any other employee.