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Un travailleur isolé qui découpe du métal dans une usine
published on 06/01/2026

Protection of lone workers - the issues

Written by editor

Protecting lone workers is an important responsibility for employers across the UK. Working alone can present additional risks, making it essential for businesses to assess potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures. But what does UK health and safety legislation require, and how can employers protect the wellbeing of employees who work alone?

The Legal Framework

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require employers to assess workplace risks, including those associated with lone working, and implement appropriate measures to manage them.

Lone Workers Exposed to Higher Risks

Delivery drivers, couriers, maintenance engineers and employees working outside normal business hours are just some examples of lone workers across the UK.

Working alone can expose employees to additional risks, including accidents, medical emergencies, workplace violence and situations where immediate assistance may not be available.

Employers must consider these risks as part of their health and safety assessments and introduce appropriate measures to protect employees. Depending on the nature of the work, these may include regular check-ins, reliable communication systems, emergency procedures and dedicated lone worker protection devices.

Lone Worker Protection Devices

A range of technologies is available to help employers protect employees who work alone, including wearable safety devices, GPS-enabled alarms, smartwatches and mobile applications.

Depending on the device and its features, lone worker protection systems may offer:

  • GPS location tracking: Helps identify a worker's location when an alert is activated, subject to signal availability and device capabilities.
  • Automatic fall detection: Some devices can detect a potential fall or sudden change in position and trigger an alert.
  • SOS buttons: Allow employees to raise an alarm quickly if they feel threatened, become injured or require assistance.
  • Remote monitoring: Connected devices can transmit alerts to designated contacts or a monitoring centre, enabling an appropriate response to be coordinated.

The most suitable solution will depend on the working environment, the risks identified and the level of support employees require.

Lone worker protection devices should form part of a wider safety strategy that includes risk assessments, clear procedures and appropriate employee training.

 

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