Lone working checklist – creating a safe working environment

2026-03-17

A lone working checklist helps employers identify risks, establish effective procedures and ensure that staff can always get help quickly – in line with HASAWA 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 [1].

Why do you need a lone working checklist?

Lone working carries specific risks – an incident that would otherwise be manageable can have serious consequences if no one detects it in time. A structured checklist helps employers comply with legal obligations and create a safer working environment.

Checklist – 7 points

1. Have you identified lone working in your organisation? Which roles work alone? When and where does lone working occur? Are there particularly high-risk situations, e.g. during night shifts or home care work?

2. Have you carried out a risk assessment? A documented lone worker risk assessment is a legal requirement. It must identify hazardous tasks and take into account time, location and duties [1][2].

3. Are there clear procedures? Do employees know how to act in an incident? Are there procedures for incident reporting, check-ins and follow-up?

4. Have employees received the right training? Do they understand lone working risks? Do they know how to handle threatening situations?

5. Is there a means of getting help quickly? Can employees raise an alarm easily? Does someone always know where the person is? Read more about HSE lone working guidance.

6. Do you have the right technical solutions? Is there a lone worker personal alarm with an automatic man-down alert? Does it work outdoors and in all environments?

7. Do you review and improve? Are risk assessments updated regularly? Are incidents followed up? Failures can lead to serious legal consequences.

A personal alarm with man-down alert increases workplace safety

Sensorem’s personal alarm has an automatic man-down alert that calls alarm recipients via the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning.

 

 

READ ABOUT SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM FOR LONE WORKERS

 

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