All health and safety laws in Ireland fully apply to lone workers, often with increased relevance. Employers are required to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, including those lone working or without direct or close supervision. 

Ensuring compliance with lone worker legislation involves implementing safe work systems, establishing comprehensive health and safety policies, providing thorough training and instruction, and maintaining a safe working environment.

Effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring, and review of health and safety measures are essential to protect lone workers from unique risks associated with their work.

The Irish HSA takes lone worker protection seriously in Ireland, with important laws and regulations in place to ensure the health and safety of employees who work alone. 

Lone workers can be found across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, construction, and retail.  The primary goal of lone worker legislation is to mitigate risks and provide a safe working environment for individuals who operate without direct supervision.

There are 3 key pieces of law that are relevant for lone worker safety, click on the titles for the detailed sections that apply. 

Employers are required to conduct thorough risk assessments specific to lone working conditions and then mitigate those risks with appropriate measures and procedures. 

Key steps include:

• Identifying Hazards: Determining the specific hazards associated with lone work, such as potential accidents, sudden, unattended illnesses, or violence.
• Evaluating Risks: Assessing the likelihood and severity of these hazards impacting your lone workers.
• Implementing Control Measures: Put in place measures to control or eliminate risks, such as working in pairs where possible, regular check-ins, trained emergency procedures and lone worker monitoring devices.

Employers

Ensure Safety: Implement effective safety measures to protect lone workers.

Provide Training: Deliver regular training on safety practices and emergency procedures.

Monitor Health: Conduct regular health checks and provide health surveillance.

Facilitate Communication: Ensure lone workers have effective means of communication.

Review and Update: Regularly review and update safety policies and risk assessments.

Employees

Follow Procedures: Adhere to all safety procedures and use provided equipment.

Report Hazards: Notify employers of any hazards or incidents.

Participate in Training: Engage in training sessions and apply learned safety practices.

Stay Connected: Maintain regular communication with supervisors and colleagues.