Lone working is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as any situation where an individual works by themselves, without close or direct supervision (HSE, 2026). Many UK nursing staff, particularly those delivering community care, visiting people at home or working in isolated clinical environments fit this definition.

Lone-working nurses face heightened risks including verbal abuse, physical aggression and exposure to unpredictable patient behaviours. Community-based nurses often encounter unfamiliar locations, limited background information and variable safety conditions, increasing vulnerability during patient interactions (NHS Employers, 2022).

Employers have legal duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations to assess risks, implement control measures and ensure safe systems of work for lone-working staff. This includes the provision of appropriate training, means of raising the alarm, supervision and post-incident review processes.

The RCN provides advice and guidance on personal safety for lone-working nursing staff, including advice on escalating concerns and scenarios of risks faced in patients' homes, such as dangerous dogs.

Both the RCN’s Workforce and Employment Standards refer to lone working and set expectations on employing organisations to protect lone-working nursing staff including meeting their legal duties.

References

Health and Safety Executive (2026) Lone Working: Protect Those Working Alone. Available at: hse.gov.uk/lone-working/employer/index.htm (Accessed 9 March 2026).

NHS Employers (2022) Improving the Personal Safety of Lone Workers. Available at: nhsemployers.org/publications/improving-personal-safety-lone-workers (Accessed 9 March 2026).

Further Information

Royal College of Nursing (2026) Prioritising Personal Safety. Available at: rcn.org.uk/Get-Help/RCN-advice/prioritising-personal-safety (Accessed 24 March 2026).

Royal College of Nursing (2025) Nursing Workforce Standards. Available at: rcn.org.uk/Professional-Development/publications/rcn-nursing-workforce-standards-uk-pub-011-930 (Accessed 24 March 2026).

Royal College of Nursing (2024) RCN Employment Standards for Independent Health and Social Care. Available at: rcn.org.uk/Professional-Development/publications/rcn-employment-standards-for-independent-sectors-uk-pub-011-603 (Accessed 24 March 2026).