Monday 3rd February, 2025
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently updated its guidance on lone working, reflecting the changing nature of the workplace and the increasing prevalence of remote and isolated work roles. Employers now face enhanced expectations to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with lone working, both in traditional workplaces and for employees working from home.
TEAM Safety Services is here to help you navigate these changes with tailored advice and practical training solutions, including Display Screen Equipment (DSE) eLearning for remote workers. In this blog, we explore the key updates from the HSE and how you can help create a safer work environment for lone workers.
Lone working refers to any situation where an employee works without direct supervision or close contact with colleagues. This includes:
The HSE’s updated guidance emphasises the need for proactive risk management and tailored safety measures. Here are the critical points:
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
Lone working can significantly affect employees’ mental health and levels of work-related stress. Factors highlighted in the Stress Management Standards, such as relationships with colleagues and support from managers, play a vital role in employee well-being. When these factors are not properly addressed, work-related stress can increase. For lone workers, being physically separated from managers and colleagues may make it harder to access adequate support.
Establishing procedures that facilitate direct communication between lone workers and their managers can help alleviate these challenges. Effectively managing work-related stress involves understanding an employee’s usual behaviour and identifying any unusual patterns or symptoms early on.
Without sufficient contact, lone workers may feel isolated, disconnected, or unsupported. This lack of engagement can negatively impact their performance and contribute to heightened stress levels or mental health issues.
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
Workplace violence can harm employees’ physical and mental health, with lone workers being particularly vulnerable due to the lack of immediate support. Key risks include working in high-risk areas, late hours, handling authority roles, dealing with intoxicated individuals, and carrying valuables.
Training in conflict resolution and providing emergency alert devices, like phones or radios, can help mitigate risks. Employers should also offer support for affected workers and encourage reporting incidents. Violence can lead to stress, reduced productivity and reputational damage.
Illustration by TEAM Safety Services Ltd.
The HSE’s updated guidance reflects the growing importance of addressing lone working risks in modern workplaces. Employers who fail to comply may face penalties, legal action, or reputational damage—but, more importantly, they risk endangering their employees.
By acting now, TEAM Safety Services can help to ensure your business meets its obligations and fosters a safe, supportive environment for lone workers.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business implement safe and effective practices for lone workers.
Share this post:
Fire Door Safety Week, taking place this year from 21st–25th September, is an important reminder of the role fire doors play in protecting people, property and escape routes. But fire door safety isn’t something that should only receive attention during an awareness week, or when an inspection is due. In this month’s blog, we share what you should be doing throughout the year to manage your fire doors.
Most organisations provide health and safety training. Employees complete inductions, courses are attended, certificates are issued, records are stored; but there is a much more important question to ask: Is the training actually working? In this month’s blog, we share what you should be considering and checking to ensure your workforce is competent and confident.
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has already been an incredibly busy and rewarding year for TEAM Safety Services. In this month’s blog, we share some of our highlights from 2026 so far.
Sign up to recieve news, training and advice straight to your inbox
Got a question?
Call us on: 0800 0283668
Email us: info@teamsafetyservices.com
Give your business a Safety Net
For a simple all-in-one health and safety package take a look at our "Safety Net" packages from TEAM Safety Service today.
© 2023 Team Safety Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Company No: 07069072. VAT No: GB994972249
