The HSE has updated its official guidance on lone working, taking into account modern working practices.

Protecting lone workers: How to manage the risks of working alone updates INDG73, last updated in 2012, since which time the way in which people lone work, where they work and the activities they carry out have changed considerably.

At last year’s Lone Worker Safety Conference, held on 15 October 2019, HSE head of the vulnerable workers team, Barbara Hockey, said:

“We all know that the world of work is changing and as the regulator for health and safety in the workplace, we also need to adapt. Lone workers make up an increasing and important part of the workforce, within a range of roles and sectors. Although there are no specific regulations relating to lone workers, the HSE has always recognised that this group of workers can be at higher risk.”

The review of the guidance was prompted by the previous year’s Lone Worker Safety Conference, when the HSE focused on outlining its policy position and how it regulates lone working.

Said Barbara:

“During the day, listening to the other presentations and talking to many of the delegates, I recognised that with the number of lone workers rising across all the sectors, the different types of work that people are doing, the issues around the gig economy and the impact on the mental health and wellbeing, we needed to review what our offer is, what we do and the advice that we give to employers.”

The guidance states:

“Ways of working are changing with automation and greater use of technology. Types of workers are also changing, for example people are working until they are older. This means employers need to think differently when considering how to keep them healthy and safe. The gig economy is also increasing and features short-term, informal working relationships where work is generally on-demand, obtained through an online platform, and/or delivered on a task-by-task basis.

“These workers are usually independent contractors, freelancers or self-employed. Many are lone workers, working to deadlines and exposed to specific road risks for work-related journeys. Equally, lone HGV drivers are likely to experience long, unsociable hours, high physical and mental demands, and often long periods of sedentary work. Employers should monitor drivers’ health regularly and adapt their work to accommodate any individual health needs.

“All of these factors can have adverse health consequences for workers, such as musculoskeletal disorders, stress, tiredness and fatigue, as well as issues associated with poor or irregular eating habits.”