How to Record a Lone Working Video for Your Health and Safety System

Why Record a Lone Working Video?

Lone working presents specific risks that require specific controls. When employees work alone—whether during normal hours or outside them—they don't have colleagues immediately available to help in an emergency, to notice if something goes wrong, or to provide assistance with tasks. Employers must ensure the welfare, safety, and health of employees at all times, and this duty extends fully to lone workers.

A video recording supports effective lone working management in several important ways. It allows you to explain when lone working occurs in your specific workplace—situations employees might not immediately recognise as lone working. It demonstrates the control measures in place and why they matter. It ensures lone workers understand the procedures that protect them. And it reinforces that working alone requires extra vigilance and specific precautions.

By recording a lone working video, you help employees understand what constitutes lone working, recognise when they're working alone, follow the control measures designed to protect them, and know what to do if something goes wrong. When lone workers understand and follow the procedures, the risks of working alone are properly managed.

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Step 1: Set the Scene and Context

Opening Your Video

Begin by establishing the organisation's duty to protect lone workers and why lone working requires specific attention. The tone should be serious but practical—lone working is sometimes necessary, but it must be managed properly.

Sample opening script:

"Welcome to our lone working training. In this video, we'll explain what lone working is, why it requires specific safety measures, and what procedures protect you when you work alone.

We must at all times ensure the welfare, safety, and health of our employees whilst at work. This duty applies fully when you work alone or outside normal working hours.

Lone working will be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable. We don't ask people to work alone unless there's a genuine operational need. But where lone working cannot be avoided, suitable controls are introduced to protect those who work alone.

By the end of this video, you'll understand when lone working occurs, what risks it presents, what control measures are in place, and what you need to do to stay safe when working alone."

Explaining Why Lone Working Requires Special Attention

Help employees understand why working alone is different from working alongside colleagues.

Talking points:

• When you work alone, there's no one immediately available to help in an emergency
• No one can notice if you become ill, injured, or incapacitated
• Some tasks are more difficult or dangerous without assistance
• Communication may be more challenging
• Security risks may be higher when alone
• The usual safety net of colleagues isn't present
• These risks don't mean lone working is always dangerous—but they must be managed

When Lone Working Occurs

Explain that lone working isn't just about being the only person in a building—it includes various situations employees might not immediately recognise.

Sample script:

"Lone working occurs whenever you work by yourself without close or direct supervision. This might be obvious—being the only person on site. But it also includes less obvious situations.

You're lone working if you're in a separate area of the premises from other staff, even if colleagues are elsewhere in the building. You're lone working if you're working outside normal hours when others aren't present. You're lone working if you're in a location where help couldn't reach you quickly.

Responsible Persons consider all working arrangements to identify when lone working takes place. This assessment helps ensure that lone working situations are recognised and appropriate controls are in place."

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Step 2: Plan What to Record vs Write

Content That Works Best on Video

Lone working training benefits from clear explanation of specific scenarios and procedures. Video allows you to show what lone working looks like in your workplace and demonstrate the control measures in action. Prioritise these elements:

Record on video:

• What lone working situations exist in your specific workplace
• Why each control measure matters and how it protects you
• How to use communication systems and check-in procedures
• What to do in different emergency scenarios when working alone
• Security procedures for lone workers
• How to assess your own fitness and competence for lone work

Document in writing:

• Detailed risk assessments for specific lone working situations
• Complete control measures and procedures
• Check-in schedules and contact details
• Emergency procedures and contact numbers
• Training records and requirements
• Review schedules and responsibilities

Structuring Your Recording

Plan your video to flow from understanding lone working through to practical procedures and individual responsibilities. A logical structure might be:

1. What is lone working and when does it occur?
2. Our approach—avoidance where practicable, controls where necessary
3. Risk assessment for lone workers
4. Control measures and procedures
5. Working outside normal hours
6. Your responsibilities as a lone worker
7. Training and communication
8. Monitoring and review

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Step 3: Explain the Core Rules and Requirements

The Approach to Lone Working

Explain that lone working is avoided where reasonably practicable, but where necessary, controls are implemented.

Sample script:

"Our approach to lone working has two elements.

First, lone working will be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable. We don't create lone working situations unnecessarily. If work can reasonably be scheduled when others are present, or if tasks can be reorganised to avoid someone working alone, that's what we do.

Second, where lone working cannot be avoided, suitable controls will be introduced. Sometimes lone working is operationally necessary—it's part of how we deliver our services efficiently. When that's the case, we implement controls to protect those who work alone.

This approach recognises that lone working can be a key arrangement for efficiency, but that it requires proper management to ensure the welfare, safety, and health of the workers involved."

Identifying Lone Working Situations

Explain how Responsible Persons identify when lone working takes place.

Talking points:

• Responsible Persons consider all working arrangements to identify lone working
• This includes normal operations and any special circumstances
• Identification covers work outside normal hours as well as during them
• Both planned and unplanned lone working situations are considered
• Identification ensures appropriate controls can be developed

Risk Assessment for Lone Workers

Explain the risk assessment process that protects lone workers.

Sample script:

"A risk assessment is conducted to assess the risks to members of our workforce who are or may become lone workers. This assessment ensures the health, safety, and welfare of those workers.

The risk assessment considers several key factors.

The nature of the work: What tasks will the lone worker be doing? What hazards do those tasks present? Are there any tasks that shouldn't be done alone?

The employee's fitness to work alone: Is the individual physically and mentally capable of working alone? Are there any health conditions that would make lone working inappropriate?

Competence to complete the task: Does the individual have the skills and experience to do the work without direct supervision? Can they handle situations that might arise?

The level of supervision required: How much oversight is needed? What check-in arrangements are appropriate? How will we monitor the lone worker's safety?

These factors determine what controls are needed for each lone working situation."

Working Outside Normal Hours

Explain the special considerations for employees working outside normal hours.

Sample script:

"Where employees are required to work outside normal working hours, special attention is paid to their safety.

Lighting is a key consideration. Is there adequate lighting for access to and from the building? Are all work areas properly lit? Are external areas safe to navigate in darkness?

Access and egress must be safe. Can the employee enter and leave the building safely? Are there security considerations for arriving or leaving when few others are around?

First aid arrangements must be considered. What first aid provision exists if someone is injured when working alone? Can the lone worker access first aid supplies? How would they get help if seriously injured?

Supervision is particularly important. How will we know the lone worker is safe? What check-in arrangements apply? How often should contact be made?

Working on your own in isolated areas of the workplace requires specific consideration. If something goes wrong, how long before someone notices? What measures ensure your safety?"

Control Measures and Procedures

Explain that control measures are developed and implemented based on the risk assessment.

Talking points:

• Control measures and procedures are developed and implemented based on risk assessment findings
• These measures ensure lone workers' health and safety whilst at work
• Controls are specific to the identified risks—not generic measures
• Procedures set out what lone workers must do to stay safe
• Following procedures is essential—they exist for your protection

Funding and Resources

Explain that sufficient resources are provided to implement controls properly.

Sample script:

"Sufficient funding support is made available to enable the successful development and implementation of procedures, risk assessments, and control measures.

This means lone working safety isn't compromised by budget constraints. If a control measure is needed—whether that's communication equipment, security measures, or additional staffing at certain times—resources are provided.

Effective lone worker protection requires investment. We make that investment because protecting our people is a fundamental duty."

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Step 4: Demonstrate or Walk Through the Process

Training for Lone Workers

Explain the training that lone workers receive.

Sample script:

"Training is arranged for employees identified as lone workers. This training ensures you're aware of the control measures and know what procedures have been implemented to reduce your exposure to risk whilst working alone.

Training covers the specific risks associated with lone working in your role, the control measures in place to protect you, the procedures you must follow when working alone, how to use any equipment provided for your safety, what to do in different emergency scenarios, and how to communicate concerns or problems.

This video is part of that training. By understanding the risks and following the procedures, you protect yourself when working alone."

Communication of Procedures

Explain that procedures and risk assessments are communicated to all staff.

Talking points:

• As part of the communication process, procedures and risk assessments are made available to all staff
• This isn't just for lone workers—everyone should understand the arrangements
• Colleagues may need to support lone workers through check-in procedures
• Managers need to understand their responsibilities for lone worker safety
• Transparency helps everyone contribute to safe lone working

Recording Training

Explain that all training is documented.

Sample script:

"All training provided is recorded. This documentation ensures we know who has received lone working training and when.

Training records help us ensure no one starts lone working without appropriate training. They also help us identify when refresher training is needed and demonstrate our commitment to lone worker safety."

Assessing Your Own Fitness and Competence

Help employees understand their role in assessing whether they should work alone on a given occasion.

Sample script:

"The risk assessment considers your fitness to work alone and your competence for the task. But you also have a role in this assessment.

Before working alone, ask yourself: Am I feeling well enough to work alone today? If you're unwell, tired, or not functioning at your best, working alone may not be appropriate.

Am I confident I can handle this task alone? If you have any doubts about your ability to complete the work safely without assistance, raise them.

Do I know the procedures that apply? If you're unsure what procedures you should follow, ask before you start.

Do I have everything I need? Check that communication equipment works, that you have access to what you need, and that arrangements are in place for your safety.

If anything concerns you about working alone on a particular occasion, speak up. It's better to address concerns before you start than to face problems alone."

Emergency Procedures for Lone Workers

Walk through what lone workers should do in emergency situations.

Talking points:

• Know emergency procedures specific to lone working situations
• Understand how to summon help when working alone
• Know where first aid supplies are located
• Understand what to do if you become ill or injured
• Know how to respond to security incidents
• Have emergency contact numbers readily available
• Don't take risks when alone that you wouldn't take with colleagues present

Check-In Procedures

Explain typical check-in arrangements for lone workers.

Sample script:

"Check-in procedures are a key control for lone working. These procedures ensure someone knows you're safe at regular intervals.

The specifics depend on your situation. You might need to check in at set times, contact a supervisor before and after certain tasks, or use an automatic check-in system.

If you miss a check-in, someone will try to contact you. If they can't reach you, they'll take action to ensure your safety. This might mean sending someone to check on you.

For check-in procedures to work, you must follow them consistently. A check-in you forget to make triggers unnecessary concern—or worse, means no one notices when you genuinely need help.

Make checking in a habit. Set reminders if needed. Don't get complacent because nothing has ever gone wrong."

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Step 5: Highlight Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Recognising Lone Working Situations

Signs this is happening:

• Employees work alone without realising it counts as lone working
• Lone working arrangements haven't been formally identified
• Staff assume they're not lone workers because others are somewhere in the building
• Working outside normal hours isn't treated as lone working
• Risk assessments don't capture all lone working situations

How to avoid it:

Ensure Responsible Persons properly consider all working arrangements to identify when lone working takes place. Define lone working broadly—anyone working without close or direct supervision. Train staff to recognise when they're lone working. Review arrangements whenever work patterns change.

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Mistake 2: Not Conducting Proper Risk Assessment

Signs this is happening:

• Lone workers don't have risk assessments specific to their situation
• Assessments don't consider the nature of work, fitness, competence, or supervision needs
• Generic assessments are used without considering individual circumstances
• Risk assessments haven't been updated when circumstances changed
• Control measures don't match the actual risks

How to avoid it:

Conduct genuine risk assessments that consider the nature of the work, the employee's fitness to work alone, their competence for the task, and the level of supervision required. Review assessments when circumstances change. Ensure controls match identified risks.

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Mistake 3: Not Providing Adequate Training

Signs this is happening:

• Lone workers don't know the procedures that protect them
• Training isn't provided before people start lone working
• Training doesn't cover the specific risks and controls for their situation
• Training records don't exist or are incomplete
• Staff can't explain what to do in an emergency when alone

How to avoid it:

Arrange training for all employees identified as lone workers before they begin working alone. Ensure training covers control measures and procedures. Make sure lone workers know what procedures reduce their exposure to risk. Record all training provided. Refresh training periodically.

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Mistake 4: Inadequate Check-In Procedures

Signs this is happening:

• No one monitors whether lone workers are safe
• Check-ins are informal or inconsistent
• Missed check-ins don't trigger any response
• Check-in intervals are too long for the risk level
• Staff don't know who to check in with or when

How to avoid it:

Implement formal check-in procedures appropriate to the level of risk. Ensure someone is responsible for receiving check-ins and responding to missed contacts. Set check-in intervals based on the risk assessment. Make check-in procedures clear and easy to follow. Test the system to ensure it works.

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Mistake 5: Not Addressing Working Outside Normal Hours

Signs this is happening:

• Work outside normal hours happens without specific safety consideration
• Lighting, access, and egress issues aren't addressed
• First aid arrangements don't account for out-of-hours working
• Supervision is inadequate for isolated work
• Security concerns aren't addressed

How to avoid it:

Pay special attention to safety when employees work outside normal working hours. Address lighting, safe access and egress, first aid provision, and supervision needs. Consider security implications. Ensure isolated areas are specifically assessed. Don't assume daytime arrangements are adequate for evening or night work.

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Mistake 6: Not Providing Adequate Resources

Signs this is happening:

• Control measures are compromised by budget constraints
• Communication equipment isn't provided or doesn't work reliably
• Security measures are deemed too expensive
• Risk assessments identify needs that aren't met
• Procedures exist on paper but can't be implemented in practice

How to avoid it:

Ensure sufficient funding support is available for successful development and implementation of procedures, risk assessments, and control measures. Don't let budget constraints compromise lone worker safety. If a control is needed, resource it properly.

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Mistake 7: Lone Workers Not Following Procedures

Signs this is happening:

• Check-ins are missed without consequence
• Lone workers take shortcuts because procedures seem unnecessary
• Procedures are seen as bureaucratic rather than protective
• Staff work alone in situations where they shouldn't
• Non-compliance is common knowledge but not addressed

How to avoid it:

Ensure lone workers understand why procedures exist—the real risks they address. Monitor compliance and address non-compliance promptly. Make procedures as practical as possible while still being effective. Create a culture where following procedures is expected and valued.

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Mistake 8: Not Communicating Arrangements to All Staff

Signs this is happening:

• Only lone workers know about lone working procedures
• Colleagues don't know how to support lone workers
• Managers don't understand their responsibilities
• Risk assessments and procedures aren't shared
• Information is available but not actively communicated

How to avoid it:

Make procedures and risk assessments available to all staff as part of the communication process. Ensure colleagues understand how they support lone worker safety. Train managers on their responsibilities. Communicate openly about lone working arrangements.

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Mistake 9: Not Assessing Individual Fitness and Competence

Signs this is happening:

• Anyone is assigned to lone work regardless of suitability
• Health conditions that affect lone working aren't considered
• Competence for unsupervised work isn't assessed
• New or inexperienced staff work alone without appropriate support
• Individual circumstances are ignored in favour of operational convenience

How to avoid it:

Ensure risk assessments consider employees' fitness to work alone and their competence to complete tasks without supervision. Consider individual circumstances—what's appropriate for one person may not suit another. Don't assign lone work to those who aren't suitable for it.

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Mistake 10: Not Monitoring and Reviewing Arrangements

Signs this is happening:

• Lone working arrangements haven't been reviewed in years
• Incidents or near-misses don't trigger review
• Changed circumstances don't lead to updated assessments
• No one checks whether controls are actually working
• There's no process for continual improvement

How to avoid it:

Monitor and review arrangements to successfully manage the risk to lone workers. Identify areas for continual improvement of systems. Review after incidents, after changes, and on a regular schedule. Check that controls are implemented and effective. Treat lone working safety as ongoing, not a one-time setup.

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Step 6: Summarise the Key Takeaways

Closing Your Video

End with a clear summary that reinforces the key messages about lone working safety.

Sample closing script:

"Let's summarise the key points from this training.

We must at all times ensure the welfare, safety, and health of our employees whilst at work. This duty applies fully when you work alone or outside normal working hours.

Lone working will be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable. Where it cannot be avoided, suitable controls will be introduced.

Responsible Persons consider all working arrangements to identify when lone working takes place. A risk assessment assesses the risks to lone workers, considering the nature of the work, fitness to work alone, competence, and supervision required.

Where employees work outside normal hours, special attention is paid to lighting, access and egress, first aid, and supervision—particularly for work in isolated areas.

Control measures and procedures are developed and implemented based on the risk assessment. Sufficient funding is provided for their successful implementation.

Training is arranged for lone workers so they're aware of control measures and know the procedures that reduce their exposure to risk. Procedures and risk assessments are made available to all staff. All training is recorded.

We monitor and review our arrangements to identify areas for continual improvement.

Your responsibilities as a lone worker: understand the risks specific to your situation, follow all procedures and control measures, use check-in systems consistently, assess your own fitness for lone work on each occasion, and raise concerns before problems occur.

Working alone requires extra vigilance. Follow the procedures—they protect you.

Thank you for watching, and thank you for taking your safety seriously."

Final Checklist

Before finalising your video, confirm you have covered:

• The duty to ensure welfare, safety, and health of employees including lone workers
• Lone working avoided where reasonably practicable
• Suitable controls introduced where lone working cannot be avoided
• Responsible Persons identifying when lone working takes place
• Risk assessment considering nature of work, fitness, competence, and supervision
• Special attention for work outside normal hours (lighting, access, egress, first aid, supervision)
• Control measures and procedures developed and implemented
• Sufficient funding for successful implementation
• Training arranged for lone workers on control measures and procedures
• Procedures and risk assessments made available to all staff
• All training recorded
• Monitoring and reviewing arrangements for continual improvement
• Individual responsibilities for lone workers

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Additional Recording Tips

Specific Scenarios

Consider filming specific lone working scenarios from your workplace. Showing someone using check-in procedures, demonstrating communication equipment, or walking through a building during out-of-hours work makes training concrete rather than abstract.

Addressing Different Roles

Different lone working situations may need different emphasis:

• Staff working outside normal hours need focus on security and emergency procedures
• Those in isolated areas need emphasis on communication and check-ins
• Mobile workers need specific guidance for their circumstances

Making Procedures Memorable

Procedures are only effective if people remember and follow them. Use repetition, visual aids, and clear simple language to make key procedures stick.

Encouraging Questions

Lone working can raise concerns employees are hesitant to voice. Encourage questions and make clear that raising concerns about lone working is always appropriate.

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Conclusion

A well-produced lone working video helps communicate your commitment to protecting employees who work alone and ensures everyone understands the procedures that keep lone workers safe. By covering risk assessment, control measures, working outside normal hours, training, communication, and monitoring, you create a comprehensive resource that fulfils your duty to lone workers.

Remember that the video is part of a broader approach. It should be supported by genuine risk assessment, appropriate control measures, adequate resources, proper training, and ongoing monitoring and review. Lone working safety requires sustained attention—it's not something you set up once and forget.

Your lone working video demonstrates that you take seriously your duty to ensure the welfare, safety, and health of all employees, including those who work alone. When lone workers understand and follow the procedures designed to protect them, the risks of working alone are properly managed.