What is this document?
INDG73 is the HSE's guide to protecting lone workers. It explains how employers should manage the risks faced by staff who work without close or direct supervision, whether that's in remote locations, out of hours, or simply away from colleagues.
Lone workers face the same hazards as anyone else at work, but there is a greater risk of these hazards causing harm because help may not be immediately available if something goes wrong.
Who needs to read this?
- Employers with staff who work alone or in isolation
- Managers and supervisors responsible for lone workers
- Self-employed people who work without others present
- Landlords and property managers with staff visiting properties alone
- Security, cleaning, and maintenance contractors who often work alone
- Care workers and healthcare staff visiting clients at home
- Delivery drivers and mobile workers operating independently
- Retail staff working alone in shops, especially during opening or closing
Key points covered
The HSE guidance addresses:
- What counts as lone working and who is a lone worker
- Risk assessment for lone workers including specific considerations
- Violence and aggression risks particularly for customer-facing roles
- Communication and monitoring systems to keep in touch with lone workers
- Mental health and wellbeing including stress and isolation
- Training and supervision requirements for those working alone
- Emergency procedures when someone working alone needs help
- When lone working may not be appropriate for certain high-risk tasks
How this applies to you
Lone working is not prohibited, but employers must assess the risks and put appropriate controls in place. Key considerations include:
Identify who works alone
Consider all situations where staff might work without colleagues nearby:
- Home visits or mobile work
- Out-of-hours work (early mornings, evenings, weekends)
- Remote locations
- Small retail premises with single staffing
- Security and night work
- Travelling between sites
Assess the specific risks
Lone workers may face:
- Violence or aggression from clients or members of the public
- Medical emergencies with no one to help
- Accidents where they cannot summon assistance
- Stress and isolation from working without support
- Lack of supervision leading to unsafe practices
Put controls in place
Common controls for lone worker safety include:
- Regular check-in systems (phone calls, apps, automatic alerts)
- Clear procedures for reporting location and expected return
- Training in conflict avoidance and personal safety
- Limits on lone working in high-risk situations
- Devices that raise an alarm if the worker is in trouble
- Buddy systems or paired working for higher-risk visits
Know when lone working is not appropriate
Some tasks should not be carried out alone, such as:
- Work in confined spaces
- Certain electrical work
- Work at height in some circumstances
- Tasks involving significant violence risk
Related Safety Clarity content
- Workplace Safety Requirements - General employer duties for health and safety
Source: This page summarises HSE guidance document INDG73. For the full official guidance, visit the HSE website.