Health and Safety for Remote and Lone Workers

We look at the definitions of remote and lone working, the particular health and safety issues employees face and how these risks can be mitigated.

What is a remote and mobile worker (RMW)?

A remote and mobile worker (RMW) is both remote, i.e. an employee who works at various locations, often away from a fixed office or base, and mobile, i.e. someone who spends most of their working time on the road, travelling between various locations, or with clients.

Typically, this includes employees in fields like transport, sales, service engineering, and care work who meet clients and individuals at their premises (or neutral locations) or those who work on temporary assignments.

What is a lone worker, and how does that differ from an RMW?

A lone worker operates in an area where no other workers are present, meaning they have no immediate assistance in an emergency. Many RMWs are also lone workers, including sales staff, service engineers, healthcare professionals, security personnel, and maintenance workers. While many remote workers are also lone workers, not all lone workers are remote workers. 

Why is health and safety so important for remote and lone workers?

Remote and lone workers face unique risks, including:

• Musculoskeletal issues from prolonged sitting and/or poor posture
• Increased feelings of isolation and reduced wellbeing
• Higher risks of verbal or physical assaults in public-facing roles
• Difficulty in maintaining a work-life balance
• Higher exposure to road rage and fatigue-related driving risks
• Increased stress due to digital overload ("technostress")
• Long hours
• Fatigue

What specific risks do mobile workers face while driving?

High mileage and long driving hours can cause lower back, neck, and shoulder pain. Additionally, road rage incidents are rising, with 43% of UK drivers experiencing it.

Safe driving measures include:

• Planning journeys to reduce mileage
• Taking rest breaks every 2-3 hours
• Avoiding distractions like mobile phones or eating while driving
• Vehicle ventilation
• Regular eyesight tests
• Signing up for an advanced driving course

What are the key health and safety laws for remote and lone workers?

Employers must comply with the following legislation:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002
• Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

How can employers protect remote and lone workers?

Best practices include:

• Policies and procedures: implement risk assessments, lone worker policies, remote work guidelines, and emergency procedures
• Monitoring and communication: use GPS tracking, safety devices, check-ins, and emergency response systems
• Training and equipment: provide aggression management training, ergonomic workstations, and necessary PPE
• Regular health checks
• Mental health support: encourage regular team meetings, promote work-life balance, and offer mental health resources

Are there real-life examples of health and safety failures?

Yes. South West Water was fined £1.8 million after a lone worker drowned in a filtration tank due to inadequate safety measures. The Suzy Lamplugh case also highlights the dangers of working alone, leading to the creation of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to promote lone worker safety.

Where can I find expert health and safety support for my business?

Our Health & Safety team is ready to help. Contact healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk for tailored audits, risk assessments, and training solutions.