Lone working

Lone working at home brings its own safety risks that employers must manage. They should offer training to help homeworkers to recognise risks. This includes the risks of isolation and overwork, and the importance of regular breaks (see Work-life balance, on page 55). The HSE warns that there will always be greater risks for lone workers with no direct supervision, or anyone to help them if things go wrong. Employers need systems to keep in touch with lone workers and to ensure regular contact from a line manager or supervisor to make sure they are healthy and safe. Poor contact is also likely to contribute to risks to workers’ mental health (see below).