Lone working has always been a normal part of health and social care, but over the last few months many services have found more situations where staff end up working alone.
Since lone working is so common, it can be easy to forget just how risky it can be when things go wrong. A worker on their own may face challenging behaviour, sudden health emergencies, or unexpected environmental risks. Without someone beside them, every situation becomes more complex.
Where risks often appear
- Staff entering unfamiliar homes or environments
- Supporting individuals with unpredictable behaviour
- Long gaps between check-ins
- Workers carrying equipment or medication without support
- Emotional strain from dealing with difficult situations alone
- Most risks are manageable — but only when leaders take a clear, proactive approach.
What leaders can review now
- Check your lone worker risk assessments
- Are they up to date and relevant to the staff doing the work?
- Review reporting pathways
- If an incident happens, do staff know exactly how to get help?
- Make check-ins meaningful
- A five-second “You alright?” isn’t enough. Create a regular check-in structure where staff can flag concerns early.
- Use training to build confidence
Even experienced staff may feel anxious working alone. Training in communication, de-escalation, and safe practice helps people feel prepared rather than exposed.
Keeping your lone workers safe isn’t just about policy — it’s about reassurance, confidence, and making sure no one feels forgotten while carrying out essential work.
