Why this matters
Most lone working incidents are not catastrophic - they are minor injuries that become serious because no one was there to help. A small ladder fall while alone becomes hours waiting for help; the same fall with a colleague becomes 5 minutes and continued work.
Key hazards and controls
Hazard 1: Medical emergency with no one to help
Control: Regular check-in calls, lone worker apps, emergency contact procedure
Hazard 2: Working at height alone
Control: Generally avoid - if unavoidable, harness with self-rescue, check-in every 30 minutes
Hazard 3: Confined space entry alone
Control: NEVER enter confined spaces alone. Two-person rule is absolute
Hazard 4: Hostile situations (conflict with members of public)
Control: Personal alarms, body cams, route to safety planning
Hazard 5: Vehicle breakdowns in remote areas
Control: Mobile phone signal verified, breakdown cover, route check
Key messages
- 1.Confined space entry alone is illegal - never compromise
- 2.Working at height alone is dangerous - avoid where possible
- 3.Mobile phone signal is essential before lone work starts
- 4.Check-in procedures must be FOLLOWED, not just documented
- 5.Personal alarms or apps are cheap insurance
Signs of trouble (for supervisors)
Things to spot during site walks that suggest the message has not landed:
- !Lone workers with no scheduled check-in calls
- !Confined space work happening without two people
- !Workers in remote areas without mobile coverage
- !No emergency contact procedure documented
- !Lone work happening without prior risk assessment
Questions to ask workers
Use these in your daily walkrounds and toolbox talks:
- Q.Are you working alone today?
- Q.When is your next scheduled check-in?
- Q.Who calls if you do not respond?
- Q.Do you have mobile signal at your work location?
- Q.What is your emergency procedure if injured?
UK legislation
- SSManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- SSHealth and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- SSConfined Spaces Regulations 1997 (lone working in confined spaces is illegal)
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