Drivers operate in some of the most demanding and isolated conditions of any UK workforce. Working unsociable hours, with limited rest facilities, and spending nights out on the road, they often face long periods of solo operation—without direct supervision and with limited access to support in emergencies.

As such, under health and safety legislation, drivers meet the definition of lone workers. This places a legal duty on employers to assess the risks they face and to provide adequate support and communication systems to protect them.

The risks are many: manual handling injuries while unloading, road traffic collisions, or even verbal abuse or threats to personal safety, especially when parked in remote or poorly lit areas. And while most companies have formal procedures for when “something goes wrong,” these procedures often assume that drivers can and will communicate.

While many transport operators have invested in telematics, tablets, or PDAs, some still rely on drivers using their personal mobile phones for work contact. This creates a serious risk gap—with no control over the device’s serviceability, battery life, signal strength, or the driver’s willingness to use it for work purposes.

This month’s Lone working toolbox talk highlights:

• The legal responsibilities of employers for HGV lone workers
• Why relying on personal phones is inadequate and unsafe
• The need for effective, supported communication tools
• A call to scenario test incident plans to ensure procedures can be followed in real-world conditions

Protecting lone workers isn’t just about having policies—it’s about ensuring your drivers are genuinely equipped to respond when things go wrong.