Health and Safety in the Gig Economy: Lone Worker Safety
The rise of the gig economy has revolutionised the way we work—but are businesses doing enough to protect the health and safety of their casual and freelance workers?
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Duty of Care for Gig Workers and Lone Workers: What Employers Must Know
How the Gig Economy Impacts Lone Worker Safety
In recent years, the gig economy has experienced explosive growth—driven by app-based platforms like Uber, Deliveroo, and Amazon Flex. This flexible employment model appeals to both workers and employers. But with that flexibility comes a legal and ethical responsibility to protect worker safety, especially in remote or lone working conditions.
According to the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), over 5% of the UK’s workforce—equating to more than 1.5 million people—operate within the gig economy. As more businesses utilise short-term contractors, freelancers, and zero-hour workers, understanding the associated risks is essential.
Lone Worker Safety and Employment Status in the Gig Economy
A worker's legal rights are heavily influenced by their employment status—whether they’re classed as an Employee, a Worker, or Self-Employed. Recent legal cases, such as the Supreme Court ruling involving Uber, have resulted in gig workers receiving basic employment protections, including minimum wage and holiday pay.
For employers, this means reviewing how they categorise gig workers—and whether they’re meeting legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
For more guidance on employment status, visit the TUC Employment Rights page.
Health and Safety Responsibilities for Employers of Lone and Gig Workers
Regardless of employment status, all workers are owed a duty of care. That includes:
- Providing a safe and healthy working environment
- Delivering adequate training
- Ensuring workers are competent to carry out tasks safely
Even in flexible or informal arrangements, employers must assess risks and implement control measures to protect worker wellbeing.
Lone Worker Safety: Who Is Responsible in Gig Work Environments?
In any working arrangement, the duty holder is the person or organisation responsible for the worker’s safety in the place they carry out their role. This may not always be the employer. For example, a delivery driver working independently in customer locations requires proactive risk assessment from both their employer and any third party involved.
In shared or multi-agency environments, such as courier services or security subcontractors, responsibility must be clearly agreed between parties. Open communication and joint planning are vital to ensure consistent safety protocols.
Lone Working in the Gig Economy
Many gig economy workers—such as drivers, couriers, and field-based freelancers—work alone. While this model offers operational flexibility, it introduces higher risks, including:
- Increased vulnerability to injury or assault
- Delays in receiving emergency help
- Lack of oversight or mental health support
Employers must consider lone working within their risk assessments and ensure support systems are in place.
Key Lone Working Questions to Ask When Managing Gig Workers
Best Practices to Protect Lone Workers in the Gig Economy
To build a strong safety culture around gig working:
- Establish robust training and onboarding processes
- Implement lone worker monitoring tools
- Use digital systems to track policy compliance
- Appoint safety champions across contractor teams
- Encourage reporting of safety concerns or incidents
With the right systems in place, organisations can improve engagement, reduce risk, and fulfil legal obligations—even in fast-paced, non-traditional work environments.
Protect Your Lone and Gig Workers with SoloProtect
SoloProtect supports businesses with personal safety solutions tailored to the gig economy. Whether you're managing delivery drivers, mobile engineers, or zero-hour contractors, we can help you meet your duty of care and reduce risk.
Book a free demo, request a quote, or get answers to your questions:
- Book a Lone Worker Safety Demo →
- Get a No-obligation Quote →
- Contact Us →
- Call us: 0114 399 6000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Lone Worker Safety in the Gig Economy
Are gig economy workers covered by UK health and safety laws?
Yes. Even though gig workers are often self-employed or on flexible contracts, they are still protected under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Any organisation that engages gig or freelance workers has a legal duty of care to assess risks, provide a safe working environment, and ensure suitable control measures are in place—particularly for those working alone.
Who is responsible for health and safety in the gig economy?
Responsibility depends on who controls the work environment. In most cases, the platform, agency, or commissioning business is responsible for ensuring gig workers’ safety. However, gig workers also share responsibility by following safety procedures, using equipment correctly, and reporting risks. Collaboration between all parties is key to maintaining compliance.
What are the main risks for lone workers in the gig economy?
Lone gig workers face risks including violence or aggression, road accidents, fatigue, and mental health challenges linked to isolation. Without direct supervision, these risks can escalate quickly. Employers should provide training, clear communication, and personal safety technology to ensure lone gig workers are protected at all times.
How can employers protect gig workers who work alone?
Employers and contracting organisations can protect gig workers by:
- Conducting lone worker risk assessments
- Providing safety training and onboarding
- Offering personal safety devices or apps for real-time monitoring
- Implementing emergency protocols and check-ins
- Extending existing lone worker policies to cover gig roles
These steps not only reduce risk but also demonstrate compliance with UK safety law.
What legal rights do gig workers have regarding health and safety?
Recent court rulings have expanded gig workers’ rights in the UK. While not always classed as employees, many gig workers are now recognised as “workers”, granting them protection under health and safety legislation, minimum wage, and holiday pay entitlements. Employers must ensure gig workers receive the same training, safety guidance, and welfare support as other staff performing similar tasks.
How can technology improve safety for gig and freelance workers?
Safety technology such as SoloProtect’s lone worker devices and apps helps monitor gig workers in real time, offering features like Red Alert emergency support, Man Down detection, and Check-In messaging. These tools provide reassurance for isolated or mobile workers and help employers prove they’ve taken reasonable precautions under the law.
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