Lone working is defined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as work carried out by people who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Every day, 150 lone workers face physical or verbal attacks, according to the British Crime Survey. This represents 20% of the total workforce, who should not be at greater risk than other employees. Incidents are widespread across industries, with 68% of companies reporting lone worker incidents in the past three years—20% of which were severe or very severe.
Current HSE legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, mandates employers’ responsibilities with sector-specific laws. However, with at least 8 million lone workers in the UK, ensuring their safety is more than just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one. Protecting your people is far less costly than the potential risks, including legal consequences and damage to your reputation. Prioritising their safety is not only right and responsible; it also enhances human potential, security, and well-being while demonstrating corporate social responsibility.