Safety at work is a major issue, particularly for lone workers who are more exposed to the risk of accidents and attacks.In UK, legislation impose specific obligations on employers to ensure their protection and minimise the dangers associated with isolation.
But what exactly is a lone worker? What duties do employers have to guarantee their safety? This article explores in detail the UK legal framework and the measures put in place to protect these workers.
A lone worker is an employee carrying out their activity without direct visual or auditory contactcontact with other people, making it difficult to provide immediate assistance in the event of a problem.
This isolation may be occasional or permanent and can occur in a variety of contexts: A security guard on a night shift, a worker on a remote site or a maintenance worker in an empty building. Isolation is not limited to physical distance.
An employee can be considered isolated even if they are close to other people, as long as his cannot interact with them in case of urgent need. This broad definition covers a wide range of sectors, including construction and public works, logistics, private security and healthcare.
Although the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) does not explicitly define lone workers, it does impose an obligation on employers to ensure their safety.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises their vulnerability and specifies that their protection must be incorporated into risk assessments. The HSWA 1974 aims to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, reduce risks through safe practices and establish a legal framework for risk management and the enforcement of safety rules.
The HSWA 1974 imposes a number of legal obligations on employers, including:
Identify potential hazards to employees and implement appropriate preventive measures, such as training, protective equipment, and safe working procedures. Additionally, ensure that isolated workers have reliable communication tools to stay connected and seek assistance when needed.
Provide comprehensive training to prevent occupational risks and ensure that safety protocols are clearly communicated to all employees
Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring that all equipment and facilities are secure, well-maintained, and regularly inspected.
Lone workers face a variety of risks in their jobs and activities... It is important to identify them.
Physical risks include falls from height or on the same level, accidents involving machinery or tools, and injuries caused by handling heavy loads, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
Health risks involve discomfort due to poor working postures, stress caused by difficult working conditions, and excessive fatigue resulting from long hours or lack of breaks, which can affect concentration and increase the risk of accidents.
Psychosocial risks are linked to worker isolation, which can lead to a lack of communication and support, increasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety. They also include the risk of physical or verbal aggression, particularly for workers in contact with the public, as well as psychological distress caused by high workloads or a lack of recognition.
Finally, environmental risks involve exposure to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, or wind, which can affect workers' safety and health. Additionally, certain tasks performed in confined spaces (such as tunnels, tanks, or silos) increase the risks of asphyxiation, gas poisoning, or difficulties in evacuating in case of emergency.
Employers who fail to comply with the HSWA 1974 can face substantial fines ranging from several thousand to several million pounds, imprisonment for managers in cases of gross negligence, and civil claims by employees who are victims.
Compensation: The company may be required to pay compensation to employees who are victims of accidents or occupational illnesses.
Increased insurance premiums: Failure to comply with standards may result in higher insurance costs.
Loss of contracts: A company with a poor safety reputation may lose customers or public contracts.
To comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) and ensure the safety of workers, employers must put in place a number of protective measures.
Firstly, they must identify and assess risks by carrying out risk analyses and implementing appropriate preventive measures. It is essential to train employees in good safety practice, providing them with the knowledge they need to avoid accidents and react in the event of danger.
The employer must also ensure access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, gloves, goggles or masks, depending on the risks associated with the activity. In addition, it is essential to maintain a safe working environment, which includes regular checks on equipment, machinery and infrastructure to prevent any faults that could endanger workers.
Compliance with these measures not only ensures compliance with the law, but also reduces the risk of accidents, improves employee well-being and preserves the company's reputation.
Protecting lone workers is a priority in occupational health and safety. UK legislation imposes strict obligations on employers to minimise the risks associated with isolation, in particular by identifying hazards, providing training and introducing preventive measures. Putting in place appropriate systems that comply with the regulations not only reduces accidents, but also ensures the well-being of employees and the long-term future of businesses.