Site Operations

Lone Working Security: How to Stay Safe on a Solo Site

9 min read· Updated 2026-07-07· Free · No signup

Lone working carries a distinct risk profile — no immediate backup, delayed medical response, higher intruder confidence. The mitigations are procedural and technological, and they work when applied consistently.

Key takeaways

Check-in schedule with automatic escalation on missed check-in.
Lone-worker device with GPS and duress button.
Written dynamic risk assessment updated per shift.
Never break a check-in — even when it feels boring.

The check-in that saves your life

Every 30 or 60 minutes, depending on risk. Automated system that escalates to police if a check-in is missed. Test it monthly.

Lone-worker devices

Modern devices combine GPS, man-down (fall detection), duress button and two-way audio. Wear them centre-chest, not on a hip loop where they're inaccessible on the ground.

Dynamic risk assessment

Two minutes at the start of every shift: weather, visibility, known issues on site, external context (recent incidents nearby). Written note attached to the shift log.

Quick checklist

Check-in schedule set and confirmed working
Lone-worker device charged and tested
Dynamic risk assessment written per shift
Escalation contacts up to date

Common mistakes

Turning off check-ins because they're annoying.
Assuming your phone is a substitute for a proper lone-worker device.

Frequently asked questions

Is lone working legal?+

Yes, subject to a risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Can I refuse a lone-working assignment?+

If the risk assessment identifies unmitigated hazards, absolutely — raise formally and refuse in writing.

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