Can you refuse to lone work?

Yes - but only in specific circumstances. UK employees can lawfully refuse to work alone if there's a serious and imminent risk to their health and safety, or if their employer hasn't properly assessed and controlled the risks involved. Simply preferring not to work alone, when the task has been properly risk-assessed, isn't grounds for refusal.

This right is backed by Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which protects employees from disciplinary action for raising a genuine safety concern.

Our Lone Worker Safety training helps organisations build risk assessments staff can trust, including a version for healthcare teams.