Employees who start work before colleagues arrive, finish after others have left, or cover night shifts are, in effect, lone working during those times.
Even if their role is usually within a busy workplace, the absence of colleagues, less security and reduced public presence creates unique safety implications that are often underestimated.
Our research found that employees in these situations reported feeling particularly vulnerable, with early starters and late finishers frequently citing concerns about:
Travelling to and from the workplace when streets or car parks are quiet and poorly lit.
Being the only person in the building and the worry of "what if something happens and no one is there to help?"
Exposure to external risks, such as intruders or opportunistic crime, when entrances are less secure or monitored.
These risks are amplified by the lack of immediate support. Medical emergencies and accidents may go unnoticed with no colleagues present to step in or raise the alarm, delaying response and assistance.
Employees are also more vulnerable to violence, intimidation and harassment, and if a situation does arise, there may be no one around to de-escalate the incident or provide support.
As another respondent explained:
“I often work on my own in our temporary office until 5pm as this is when my shift ends.
Other people finish at 4.30pm I often worry about something happening to me and no one being around to help.”
