Introduction
Lone workers face many of the same hazards as any employee, but without nearby colleagues, minor incidents can escalate quickly.
Isolation can delay help, complicate decision-making, and increase exposure to environmental and human threats.
The scale of exposure is significant. In the UK, an estimated 7–9 million people work alone (roughly 22% of the entire workforce). That’s millions of people who may have no immediate backup if something goes wrong.
This guide highlights the most common lone-working hazards and the practical controls that reduce risk, from smarter planning and training to robust communications, monitoring, and rapid emergency response.
Read on to find out how to strengthen policies, supervision, and on-the-ground protections for anyone working solo.
Common lone working hazards
Across roles and industries, lone workers encounter a predictable set of risks that intensify without nearby support. Understanding these patterns helps you target controls where they matter most. While these can vary somewhat between regions, the most common lone working hazards tend to be:
