Lone Worker Safety for Contractors | Legal Responsibilities

Ensure your contractors are protected on and off-site with this essential guide to contractor health and safety responsibilities, legal duties, and lone working risks.

Legal Responsibilities for Lone Workers and On-Site Contractors

Contractors are a vital part of the UK workforce, making up an estimated 15% of all workers according to the Office for National Statistics. They operate across diverse industries—from construction and engineering to IT, energy, and media.

But when contractors are working on your behalf—whether on-site, off-site, or remotely—your business has a duty to protect their health, safety, and wellbeing. And failing to meet this obligation can lead to serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

This blog explores your legal responsibilities, the importance of risk assessments, and how to ensure contractor safety—especially for those working alone.

Are Contractors Classed as Lone Workers?

A contractor is someone who performs work or provides services for a business but is not a direct employee. They may be self-employed, hired through an agency, or brought on for a specific project or timeframe. Importantly, contractors may fall under any of the following categories:

Employee
Worker
Self-employed

Their employment status determines their rights, but health and safety responsibilities apply regardless of contract type.

TUC Employment Status and Rights Guide

What Is Your Duty of Care to Contractors and Lone Workers?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, both employers and contractors have shared responsibilities for ensuring a safe working environment. As the commissioning organisation, your business should:

Assess the risks associated with contracted work.
Ensure contractors are competent and qualified.
Provide appropriate training and instructions.
Monitor compliance with safety procedures.
Maintain clear communication throughout the project.
Consider the impact of subcontractors on the working environment.

Remember: The duty of care extends to any person who may be affected by the work—including your employees and members of the public.

Download our Lone Worker Risk Assessment Template

Read our Blog: Legal Penalties for Failing to Protect Lone Workers

Managing Contractor Safety On and Off-Site

Whether work is being done at your premises, at a remote location, or in a public space, you must consider:

Who is responsible for the site or work environment?
Who controls the scope and schedule of work?
Are members of the public or other employees affected by the work?

If you’re responsible for the environment, scope, or output, you’re likely also responsible for contractor safety and must ensure risks are adequately assessed and mitigated.

Contractor Lone Working: A Growing Consideration

Many contractors work alone—either temporarily or full-time. While this offers flexibility and operational efficiency, it introduces additional risk:

How will lone workers raise the alarm in an emergency?
Is your lone working policy extended to cover contractors?
Are your training procedures consistent across full-time and contract staff?
Have you considered personal safety technology such as lone worker alarms or apps?

Contractor safety should be part of your overall lone worker strategy.

Download our Free Lone Worker Policy Template

Read our blog: Best Personal Safety Devices for Lone Workers

Contractor Safety During High-Risk Tasks

Effective contractor safety isn't just about policy—it’s about implementation. Consider:

Creating an audit trail of contractor training
Using lone worker safety devices with GPS and emergency alerts
Setting up a check-in/check-out system to monitor remote workers
Engaging contractors in safety culture through site inductions or briefings

Tip: Use technology to monitor adherence to your safety protocols

Why Contractor Safety Is Essential for Business Compliance

Contractors may not wear your company badge, but they still carry your company’s reputation and legal liability when operating under your direction. Clear communication, robust risk assessments, and inclusive safety strategies are the foundation of keeping all workers safe—regardless of employment status.

Ready to Improve Contractor and Lone Worker Safety?

If your business relies on contractors or lone workers, it's vital to have robust safety measures in place. From risk assessments to discreet personal safety devices, SoloProtect can help you fulfil your legal obligations and protect everyone on-site — whether they're full-time staff or external contractors.

Book a free demo, request a quote, or get answers to your questions: