Lone worker policy

The law requires employers and others to think about, and deal with, any health and safety risks before people should be allowed to work alone. Employer’s legal duties towards lone workers are set out under:

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974,
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999,
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a general duty to maintain safe working arrangements and can receive a fine of up to £20,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for breaches of general duties. The Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 amends the 1974 Act, increasing the penalties and providing courts with greater sentencing powers for those who breach health and safety legislation. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to assess and counter health and safety risks before allowing staff to work alone.