Protecting Lone Workers and the Law
All employers have a duty of care to ensure employees work environments meet health and safety standards set by the Government, as defined in the Health and Safety act 1974, and subsequent additions and amendments.
In April 2008 the Corporate Manslaughter act came into force which clarifies the criminal liabilities of companies including large organisations where serious failures in the management of health and safety result in a fatality. The act not only clarifies the responsibility of the company but serves to highlight the growing importance placed on the employer to protect employees in their workplace.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance in their leaflet titled Working Alone in Safety available to download in our legislation section or from the HSE website (www.hse.gov.uk).
The leaflet states “Employers have responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees and the health and safety of those affected by the work, eg visitors, such as contractors and self-employed people who employers may engage. These responsibilities cannot be transferred to people who work alone. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risk where necessary. Employees have responsibilities to take reasonable care of themselves and other people affected by their work and to co-operate with their employers in meeting their legal obligations.”
