Lone Worker Legislation

Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities

Lone working is a reality for many industries across the UK, but it comes with unique risks that employers must take seriously. While there are no laws that ban lone working, there are strict regulations in place to ensure employees working alone are protected.

This page outlines the key points of Lone Worker Legislation in the UK, what it means for your business, what’s required of you as an employer, and how to stay compliant while keeping your lone workers safe.

Is Lone Working Legal in the UK?

Yes, lone working is legal. However, UK law makes it clear that employers have a responsibility to assess and manage the risks associated with employees working alone.

There are two key pieces of legislation that apply:

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Employers have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, including those working alone.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Requires employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all work activities, including lone working.

What Does Lone Worker Legislation Require?

Under UK Lone Worker Legislation, employers must:

Carry out risk assessments specific to lone working roles and tasks
Implement control measures to reduce identified risks
Provide adequate training so employees understand how to work safely alone
Ensure lone workers have a reliable way to raise the alarm in case of emergency
Regularly review and update safety procedures and assessments

These responsibilities apply to all sectors, from healthcare and retail to construction, logistics, agriculture, and security.

Why It Matters

Failing to comply with Lone Worker Legislation doesn’t just put your staff at risk, it can also lead to legal consequences, financial penalties, and damage to your organisation’s reputation.

A proper lone working strategy is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture of safety, responsibility, and support for those who often work in isolation.

How Almas Industries Can Help

At Almas Industries, we provide comprehensive solutions to support compliance with Lone Worker Legislation. Our expert team can help you:

Identify and assess risks
Recommend the right Lone Worker Devices
Set up professional monitoring and emergency response services
Provide training and ongoing support

With discreet, easy-to-use Lone Worker Devices and a trusted 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre, we’ll help you protect your lone workers and meet your legal obligations with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more about how we support compliance with Lone Worker Legislation.

Download our free Lone Working Risk Assessment Guide