Injury Claim for Lone Working

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

Compensation if Injured When You Shouldn’t Have Been Working Alone

Making an injury claim for lone working if it was a high-risk job is possible if you can show your employer was negligent. Lone working is common across many industries in England and Wales. But it becomes a legal and safety issue when an employer leaves someone working alone in a role that is not suitable for solo work. If you were injured while working alone and your employer failed to put proper safety measures in place, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for negligence.

Lone working is a reality in many workplaces, from retail to construction. But not every job is suitable for solo work, and not every worker should be left alone.

When employers fail to assess risks, ignore safety protocols, or leave employees isolated in high‑risk environments, the consequences can be severe.

In addition, injuries that occur while working alone often become more serious because there is no-one nearby to help, raise the alarm, or prevent the situation from escalating.

If this has happened to you, we explain the risks of lone working, high‑risk jobs where lone working is not permitted, and when employer negligence may allow you to file a personal injury claim.

Why Lone Working Can Be Hazardous

Lone working becomes risky when the nature of the job requires supervision, teamwork, or immediate access to help. The danger is not just the accident itself but the delay in receiving assistance. Even minor injuries can become life‑threatening if a worker is left alone without support.

Key risks include:

• Delayed emergency response: No-one is present to call for help or administer first aid.
• Increased severity of injuries: Falls, crush injuries, chemical exposure, or machinery accidents can worsen quickly.
• Higher likelihood of violence or aggression: Particularly in public‑facing roles.
• Mental strain and fatigue: Working alone can increase stress, reduce concentration, and heighten the risk of mistakes.
• Lack of supervision: Unsafe practices may go unnoticed until an accident occurs.

These risks are well‑known, which is why certain jobs legally or practically should never involve lone working.

High‑Risk Jobs Where Lone Working Is Not Allowed

Some roles are simply too risky to be carried out alone. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights work which requires at least one other person includes working in confined spaces, near exposed live electricity, fumigation, vehicles carrying explosives or in diving operations.

If you were left alone in one of these environments, your employer may have breached their duty of care.

1. Construction and Building Sites

Construction work involves heavy machinery, working at height, electrical hazards, and unstable structures. UK regulations require supervision, teamwork, and safe systems of work. Lone working is not permitted for:

• Working at height
• Operating heavy plant machinery
• Excavation work
• Demolition
• Electrical installation or maintenance

2. Confined Spaces

Confined spaces such as tanks, silos, sewers, and ducting are extremely hazardous. Risks include toxic gases, oxygen depletion, entrapment, and engulfment. The law requires a trained team, rescue plan, and continuous monitoring. Lone working is strictly prohibited.

3. High‑Risk Industrial Environments

These include:

• Chemical plants
• Manufacturing lines
• Environments with hazardous substances
• Hot works (welding, cutting, soldering)

Workers must be supervised and supported by colleagues trained in emergency response.

4. Security Roles in High‑Risk Locations

Security guards working alone in high‑crime areas, large premises, or overnight shifts face increased risks of violence. Employers must ensure adequate staffing, communication systems, and emergency protocols.

5. Driving or Delivery Roles

Driving alone is common, but certain delivery or transport roles should not be carried out solo, especially when:

• Handling heavy goods
• Entering unsafe premises
• Working in remote areas
• Carrying valuable items

If your employer sent you alone into a high‑risk situation, this may be negligent.

What Counts as Employer Negligence in Lone Working?

Employers have a legal duty to protect workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Lone working is only lawful when risks have been properly assessed and controlled.

According to the Online CPD Academy’s Lone Worker Safety Statistics UK (2026), there has been a 132% increase in physical attacks on lone workers over the last three years. The report highlights that an estimated 8 million people in the UK work alone at some point during the day. This includes district nurses or social workers visiting patients, utility workers, estate agents, delivery drivers, security guards and agricultural workers on remote farms.

If you shouldn’t be working alone and you’re injured while at work, employer negligence may include:

• Failing to carry out a lone‑worker risk assessment
• Leaving you alone in a role that legally requires supervision or teamwork
• Not providing communication devices or emergency alarms
• Ignoring known hazards in the workplace
• Failing to train you on lone‑working procedures
• Not checking in on you during your shift
• Leaving you isolated in a high‑risk environment
• Not providing PPE or safety equipment
• Expecting you to perform tasks that require two people (lifting, machinery operation, confined space entry)

If any of these failures contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for Lone Working Injuries?

You may be able to claim compensation if:

• You were injured while working alone
• You should not have been left alone due to the nature of the job
• Your employer failed to put proper safety measures in place
• Your injury was worsened because no one was present to help
• The accident could have been prevented with adequate supervision or staffing

What Does Compensation Cover?

Typically, compensation may cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Medical treatment
• Long‑term rehabilitation
• Psychological harm
• Travel expenses
• Future financial losses

The key legal question will be whether your employer breached their duty of care by leaving you alone in an unsafe situation.

How to Show Your Employer Was Negligent

Useful evidence may include:

• Accident reports
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements (if anyone arrived after the incident)
• Photos of the scene
• Medical records
• Training records
• Risk assessments (or lack of them)
• Emails or messages showing you were assigned lone work

Your solicitor will help to obtain the relevant evidence to build your case.

FAQs: How to Start a Personal Injury Claim if You Were Injured While Working Alone

How do I start my claim?

Contact a personal injury solicitor who specialises in workplace accidents. They will assess whether your employer failed in their duty of care and advise you on next steps.

We partner with solicitors who offer a free, initial consultation to assess whether you have a valid claim.

What if my employer says lone working is normal?

Lone working is only acceptable when risks are low and properly managed. If your job was high‑risk or required supervision, you may still have a valid claim.

Do I need evidence?

You will have to prove that your employer breached their duty with regard to workplace safety regulations. Solicitors can obtain workplace records, risk assessments, and medical documentation to support your case.

Can I claim if no one witnessed the accident?

Yes. Lone working accidents often have no witnesses. Medical evidence and workplace safety failures can still prove negligence.

What if I’m still employed?

You can claim while still working for your employer. You’re legally protected from being dismissed for making a legitimate claim.

How long do I have to claim?

You usually have three years from the date of the accident or from when you realised your employer was at fault.

Contact Us – Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured at work while working alone when you should have had a colleague working with you, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service, as well as a free consultation and we will give you the support and understanding you need. 

Call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit our Contact Us Page.