How to Carry Out a Lone Worker Risk Assessment

Lone working is common across many sectors – from housing and healthcare to construction and security. While working alone isn’t inherently unsafe, it does present unique risks that employers must identify and manage. A thorough lone worker risk assessment is essential for protecting staff, fulfilling legal responsibilities and ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to carry out an effective lone worker risk assessment.

 

What is a Lone Worker Risk Assessment?

A lone worker risk assessment is a formal process used to identify potential hazards associated with working alone, evaluate the level of risk, and determine the necessary control measures to keep the worker safe. It should take into account the environment, tasks, equipment and the individual worker’s needs.

 

Step 1: Identify Lone Workers

Start by identifying who in your organisation works alone. Lone workers may include:

  • Mobile workers (e.g. delivery drivers, housing officers)
  • Remote workers (e.g. those working from home or in rural locations)
  • Out-of-hours or night staff
  • Employees working in isolated areas of a building
  • Those travelling alone to meetings or client visits

Clearly define the roles and situations that involve lone working.

 

Step 2: Identify the Hazards

Once you know who your lone workers are, assess the specific hazards they may face. These might include:

  • Violence or aggression from members of the public or clients
  • Slips, trips, and falls when working alone without assistance
  • Medical emergencies with no one nearby to help
  • Environmental risks, such as remote or unfamiliar locations
  • Mental health and stress, especially for isolated workers

Include both physical and psychological risks in your assessment.

 

Step 3: Evaluate the Level of Risk

Next, consider how likely it is that each hazard will cause harm and how severe the consequences could be. Factors to consider include:

  • Time of day or night the worker is alone
  • Location (urban vs. rural, indoors vs. outdoors)
  • Communication difficulties or lack of phone signal
  • The worker’s level of training, experience, or health conditions

This step helps you prioritise the most serious risks.

 

Step 4: Determine Control Measures

For each identified risk, put in place measures to reduce or eliminate it. Control measures might include:

  • Providing lone worker safety devices or personal alarms
  • Implementing regular check-ins
  • Offering training in conflict resolution or emergency response
  • Establishing clear escalation procedures
  • Limiting lone working to low-risk tasks only

Ensure that the measures are proportionate to the risk and easy to follow.

 

Step 5: Record and Review the Assessment

Document your findings clearly, including:

  • Who is at risk
  • What the risks are
  • What control measures are in place
  • Who is responsible for monitoring and reviewing them

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly – especially if there’s an incident, a change in working conditions or new staff join the team.

 

Step 6: Communicate with Lone Workers

It’s essential that lone workers are aware of:

  • The risks involved in their role
  • The safety procedures in place
  • How and when to raise the alarm

Encourage open dialogue, and ensure they feel supported and empowered to report concerns.


A lone worker risk assessment isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a vital part of your organisation’s safety culture. By understanding the unique challenges of working alone and putting the right safeguards in place, you can ensure your lone workers feel protected, valued and confident in their roles.