A Comprehensive Guide to Lone Worker Safety for Construction Workers

Whether they're security guards conducting house checks or construction workers completing isolated tasks onsite, lone workers face unique safety risks. As such, it's critical to implement structures and policies that address these hazards.

This how-to guide will outline six steps to help you develop and implement an effective lone worker policy. These guidelines will include conducting a risk assessment, developing written protocols and procedures, and education and training.

Identifying Lone Workers

Working alone exposes employees to more risk than being in close proximity with co-workers. This is especially true for construction workers, who are more susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries and other hazards due to their intensive manual work. In addition, construction workers often have nonstandard hours and perform their work in remote locations. Consequently, lone worker safety is a crucial issue for the industry.

The first step in addressing the needs of lone workers is to identify them. This may sound simple enough, but it can be difficult to determine who qualifies as a lone worker. Some examples include office workers who spend extended periods without the presence of supervisors or other co-workers, utility service employees in rural settings, construction contractors who complete projects in remote areas, taxi drivers, home health care workers and security guards.

Once your organization has identified who may qualify as a lone worker, it should develop policies, processes and procedures that address the specific needs of these individuals. For example, a policy that clearly defines when an employee should check in with supervisors and outlines emergency contact information is essential for lone worker safety. In addition, the policy should provide lone workers with monitoring devices, such as GPS, which can help detect their whereabouts in case of an emergency. Additionally, the policy should address any physical or mental conditions that may make an individual more vulnerable to injury or illness when they are working alone.

Identifying Hazards

Lone workers face many workplace hazards, including the potential for injuries, equipment malfunctions and even violence. Without the presence of colleagues, a lone worker may be unaware of the risks involved in their work and lack the resources to mitigate them. Conducting a risk assessment and providing safety training are crucial for ensuring the well-being of lone workers.

When determining the level of risk associated with a particular hazard, it’s important to consider both its likelihood of occurring and its severity if it does. Employers should also provide lone workers with tools to help them manage and mitigate these hazards, such as emergency procedures, personal protective equipment and communication devices.

A thorough risk assessment should be conducted before a lone worker starts their shift. This should include consideration of how often a lone worker is required to check in, the location of their work and any other factors that could impact their safety.

Creating and implementing a lone worker policy is an effective way to establish protocols, processes and advice for all employees who will be working alone. Policies should be accessible and easily understood, using clear language to ensure that everyone can access the information they need to keep themselves safe on the job. Creating a digital checklist to support lone workers is another useful tool, with the ability to add images, location stamps, voice recordings and signatures. A platform like Connecteam can help create these checklists and make them more easily accessible for lone workers.

Developing Policies and Procedures

Lone workers are at a higher risk of hazards due to the fact that they do not have access to backup support or supervision. Employers have a duty of care to protect employees from health and safety risks, and this is particularly true for workers who work alone. Developing a lone working policy is the best way to ensure that these employees are adequately protected.

Once a lone worker policy has been created, it is important to develop protocols and procedures that are clearly communicated and accessible. This can include procedures for reporting hazards and incidents, emergency response plans for different scenarios, and guidelines for working in hazardous or remote locations. It is also crucial to note that lone workers should be allowed to report their location at all times in case of an emergency.

It is also essential to note that lone workers should be given access to reliable communication devices at all times, as well as appropriate clothing for the weather. Moreover, lone workers should be encouraged to take regular breaks and prioritize rest in order to manage fatigue and heat stress.

Once the policies and protocols have been developed, they must be regularly reviewed to reflect changes in the workplace and job roles. Additionally, it is a good idea to train all lone workers in the specific tasks they are expected to carry out.

Training

Lone workers must be fully aware of the dangers they face when they’re working alone. This includes understanding the specific hazards they might encounter, including those that are inherent to their work environment(s), such as a high crime area, the risk of dangerous chemicals or a lack of emergency response resources. It also includes identifying any risks that are unique to their job duties, such as interacting with aggressive customers or driving through dangerous areas after-hours to pick up valuable merchandise.

Once your organization understands the specific risks, it’s important to develop lone worker safety protocols and procedures to mitigate these issues. This involves conducting regular hazard assessments to identify and control any potential risks, as well as training your lone workers on these policies and procedures so that they’re prepared to handle emergencies.





Lone worker solutions that provide an automatic alert if there is no movement, or a pre-recorded message to be sent out in the event of an emergency are a good option for businesses looking for more comprehensive protection for their employees. These types of solutions can help to address a range of scenarios, from dealing with an abrasive customer or even a physical attack. By having a robust solution in place to support your staff, you’re demonstrating that your organization values their safety and will do everything possible to ensure they return home safely after each shift.