Numerous occupations involve lone working and although British legislation does not contain a definition of working alone, it is generally accepted that it means working in an area where there are no other workers present. Thus in the event of an emergency there is no one to give assistance or summon help.

Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision, and they can be found in many working environments.

There is no time limit attached to working alone, it may be for the whole work period, or for only several minutes.