Risk Assessment

10 Examples & 10 Risks of Lone Working 

Have you ever felt like a solitary superhero fighting the villains of procrastination while working from home?  Have you sung and danced solo through the office, trying to ward off the boredom monster?  If you have experienced this during working hours, you are, or occasionally are, a lone worker! Take off your cape, put down your shield, and let’s talk….. 

What is the Meaning of Lone Work?  

You are a lone worker if you find yourself working alone, with no supervision, and no colleagues within earshot. Alone on the desert island that is work.  

If this only happens occasionally…   
YOU A LONE WORKER when you do!  

Working alone can be a peaceful yet lonely and sometimes risky place. 

Working alone is like …. 

  • Sitting at the desk in your PJs, with only your dog to judge you 
  • being the star of your own movie – you’re the hero, the villain, and the quirky sidekick all at once 
  • is like hosting a talk show, where you’re both the charismatic host and the incredibly enthusiastic audience 

While working alone can have its humorous aspects, it also has a more serious side. It is important to find ways to stay connected and maintain a healthy work-life balance. And ultimately, to stay safe. 

Ten Examples of a Lone Worker 

  1. Cleaners: Janitors and cleaning staff who work alone in various settings, such as offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. 
  1. Security Guards: Professionals who provide security services, monitor premises, and respond to incidents while working alone on-site. 
  1. Field Technicians: Engineers, repair technicians, or maintenance workers who travel to clients’ locations to service equipment, machinery, or systems. 
  1. Social Workers: Social workers who conduct home visits or work independently to support vulnerable individuals in the community. 
  1. Estate Agents: Property agents who meet clients, check on or show properties and handle negotiations independently. 
  1. Journalists and Photographers: Reporters and photographers who gather news stories, conduct interviews, and capture images alone in the field. 
  1. Retail Staff: Employees who work in standalone kiosks, pop-up shops, or small stores where they are the only staff present. 
  1. Sales Representative: Sales representatives travel to different locations to meet potential clients, present products or services. They often spend a significant amount of time “on the road” With little regular contact except for progress reviews. 
  1. Consultant: Consultants provide expert advice and services to clients across different industries. They may need to travel to client sites to assess needs, deliver recommendations, and implement solutions. 
  1. Educational Outreach Coordinator: These professionals travel to different schools, community centers or events to promote educational programs, coordinate workshops, and engage with students and educators. 

What are the Risks of Lone Working?  

Lone working might seem like you’re the captain of your own ship, without anyone breathing down your neck. But remember, even Captain Jack Sparrow required a crew (and a compass that worked most of the time).  

When you are on your own, you are open to risk. 

  1. Accidents and Emergencies: Roles don’t have to be dangerous, but incidents do happen. In the event of an accident, injury or medical emergency, a lone worker might not have immediate assistance available, which could lead to delayed attention and worsened outcomes. 
  1. Physical Safety: Some jobs involve working in “uncontrolled” environments; where the employee or organisation doesn’t have control of people or the immediate environment where the lone worker has to work.
  1. Security Concerns: Lone workers might be more vulnerable to theft, assault, or harassment, particularly if they work in isolated or high-crime areas. 
  1. Mental Health: Isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Without regular social interaction and support, mental health issues might arise or worsen. 
  1. Lack of Supervision: Without direct supervision, employees might take shortcuts or make risky decisions, thinking they can bypass safety protocols. 
  1. Strain on Resources: Lone workers might need to carry out a broader range of tasks and responsibilities, leading to potential exhaustion or burnout. Which can be a contributing factor to accidents. 
  1. Remote Locations: Workers in remote locations or while traveling might encounter challenges in accessing resources, emergency services, and communication networks. 
  1. Poor Ergonomics: In some cases, lone workers working from home or remote offices, might not have access to proper ergonomics, leading to discomfort or even long-term health issues. 
  1. Isolation and Communication Difficulties: Lone workers can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness due to the absence of coworkers. This can lead to reduced morale, decreased job satisfaction, and potentially affect their overall wellbeing. 
  1. Reporting and Monitoring: Monitoring the wellbeing and whereabouts of lone workers can be challenging, and without proper systems in place, their safety could be compromised. 

However, there are ways to conquer these risks, like scheduling regular check-ins with a supervisor, and for them to know where you are and that you are safe. 

While the road of lone working might be paved with occasional misadventures, it’s also sprinkled with the joy of conquering tasks on your own terms. So go forth, conquer those spreadsheets, slay those emails, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll find a sidekick who’s as passionate about color-coded sticky notes as you are! Until then, keep calm and stay safe.  

Ask your employers about the policies they have in place for the safety of their lone working staff. It all starts with that critical Risk Assessment.   

Ask them to investigate the solutions available to help you feel safe and supported. Let them know about our FREE trial, low ongoing costs, and personal setup service. For the price of a coffee, they can ensure that their lone working requirements are fully satisfied https://myteamsafe.co.uk/pricing/  

MyTeamSafe®, award-winning lone-working App 
Proud supporters of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust