What should you have by law if you lone work?

By law, employers must put several things in place before staff work alone:

• A documented risk assessment, covering the specific hazards of working without direct supervision.
• Safe systems of work - clear procedures for handling emergencies and high-risk moments such as home visits or late shifts.
• A way to stay in contact - regular check-ins, a mobile phone, or a personal alarm.
• Proper training on recognising hazards and following escalation procedures.
• Any equipment the task requires to be carried out safely alone.

This goes beyond the risk assessment itself - it's the full set of duties an employer owes a lone worker under UK health and safety law. See our Lone Worker Safety training, including the version built for housing and community teams.