You're a lone worker if you work by yourself without close or direct supervision.
We have specific duties to protect you as a lone worker. This also applies if you're working for us as a contractor, a freelancer or are self-employed.
Lone working policy and risk assessment
Our policy and guidance for employees and managers includes advice on:
- identifying potential hazards and risks
- keeping in contact
- preventing work-related violence
A template lone worker risk assessment form is also included with the policy and guidance.
Lone working policy and risk assessment (HSP9.05) (DOCX, 187KB)
SOS Fob device for lone workers
An SOS Fob is a lightweight, waterproof lone worker device that looks like a key fob. It is connected to Global Positioning System (GPS), which allows the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to locate you in the event of an emergency.
The SOS Fob features an SOS button with two-way audio, and a motion and shock sensor which can automatically raise an alert if a fall is detected.
If you are entering a potentially hazardous situation, the fob lets you leave a voice message along with your GPS location, advising the support team of what you are doing and who should be contacted in an emergency.
The user guide gives information on how to use the SOS Fob (HSG018) (PDF, 230KB).
You can watch a video about the SOS Fob on YouTube.
Safe Hub mobile app for lone workers
The Safe Hub app give smartphone users access to lone worker safety services. It can be uploaded to a council-provided smartphone or your own device.
The app includes the following safety modes:
- Alert Call Yellow to use when you enter a hazardous situation
- Red emergency dialling for any time you feel at risk or in need of support
- Safe Check to regularly check the wellbeing of a lone worker
- Worker Down, which uses the handset’s motion sensors to detect if you have fallen or are immobile
- Group Alert, a secure emergency notification broadcast message feature
You can watch a video about the Safe Hub app on YouTube.
Applying for lone worker mobile application or SOS Fob
To apply for lone worker mobile application, complete the mobile app and SOS Fob spreadsheet (HSF152) (ODS, 29.7KB).
The spreadsheet can be used to:
- get access to the lone working fob or mobile application
- delete and change current user details
Using the Safe Hub app or SOS Fob
The Health & Safety team have put together answers to commonly asked questions about using the Safe Hub app or SOS Fob, including:
- changing or updating SOS Fob details
- how to return unused SOS Fobs
- what happens when you use the ‘alert’ and ‘worker down’ features
Safe Hub app and SOS Fob user questions and answers (PDF, 687KB)
Android Safe Hub app user guide
The Android Safe Hub app user guide gives information on how to use the lone worker app on an Android smartphone.
Android Safe Hub user guide (HSG025) (PDF, 2.7MB)
Apple iOS Safe Hub app user guide
The Apple iPhone Safe Hub app user guide gives information on how to use the lone worker app on your personal iPhone, rather than an Essex County Council device.