What are the HSE rules on lone working in a UK workplace?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK's national independent regulator for workplace health and safety. The HSE's rules on lone working in a UK workplace are based on the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The HSE's key rules on lone working are as follows:

• Employers must assess the risks of lone working. This includes identifying the hazards that lone workers face and the measures that need to be taken to control them.
• Employers must make sure that the job can be done safely by one person. This means considering the risks of the job, the skills and experience of the lone worker, and the equipment and resources that are available.
• Employers must train, supervise and monitor lone workers. Lone workers should be trained on how to work safely on their own, and they should be supervised and monitored to ensure that they are following safe working practices.
• Employers must keep in touch with lone workers. This should be done on a regular basis, and employers should have a system in place for lone workers to contact them if they need help.
• Employers must respond to incidents promptly and effectively. If a lone worker is involved in an incident, employers must have a plan in place to respond quickly and provide the necessary assistance.

The HSE also recommends that employers have a lone working policy in place. This policy should set out the rules and procedures for lone working, and it should be communicated to all lone workers.

Examples of lone workers include:

• Delivery drivers
• Security guards
• Cleaners
• Social workers
• Home care workers
• People who work from home

It is important to note that the HSE's rules on lone working apply to all lone workers, regardless of their job title or employment status.

In addition to the above, the HSE also provides specific guidance on lone working in certain sectors, such as healthcare, retail and transportation.

If you are a lone worker, you should speak to your employer about their lone working policy and procedures. You should also make sure that you are properly trained and equipped to work safely on your own.