When we talk about workplace safety, especially for lone workers, one term often comes up: dynamic risk assessment. But what exactly does it mean? And more importantly, why should lone workers know how to do one?
What is a dynamic risk assessment?
A dynamic risk assessment is a real-time evaluation of the risks present in a situation as it unfolds. Unlike formal, static risk assessments (often done in advance and documented in writing), dynamic risk assessments are done on the spot, allowing a worker to respond to hazards as they arise.
It’s not about paperwork, it’s about awareness, judgement, and quick decision-making. It’s the ability to pause, assess your surroundings, and ask:
‘Is it still safe for me to proceed?’
Why it matters for lone workers
Lone workers often operate without direct supervision in unpredictable environments, such as visiting a client’s home, carrying out maintenance tasks in isolated areas, or working late at night. While static risk assessments provide a baseline, they can’t cover every variable. And that’s where dynamic risk assessments come in.
For lone workers, the ability to adapt and make safety decisions in the moment is not just useful, it’s essential.
Here are some real-life examples:
- A housing officer arrives at a property and hears shouting from inside.
- An engineer enters a site and notices exposed wiring that wasn’t flagged before.
- A delivery driver is asked to step into a poorly lit alleyway to drop off a package.
In all these cases, the risks may not have been present when the original assessment was made, but they are real now.
Key questions to ask during a dynamic risk assessment
A dynamic risk assessment doesn’t have to be complicated. Lone workers should get into the habit of mentally running through a few simple checks before and during any task:
- Is the environment what I expected?
- Are there new hazards (people, weather, equipment, etc.)?
- Do I feel safe here?
- If not, why not? Trust your gut.
- What could go wrong – and how can I minimise that risk?
- Do I have an exit route? Have I let someone know where I am?
- Is there any reason I should delay, stop, or leave?
- Safety trumps schedule.
How employers can support this
At Pick Protection, we believe lone worker safety is a two-way street. Yes, employees need to be trained to carry out dynamic risk assessments, but they also need the right tools and backing from their employer.
That means:
- Offering training in situational awareness and decision-making.
- Providing real-time support options like our PG Smart app or PG Pebble device so workers can call for help discreetly if a situation escalates.
- Encouraging a culture where workers feel confident to walk away from unsafe situations without fear of being penalised.
In summary
Dynamic risk assessments empower lone workers to take control of their own safety. By staying alert, asking the right questions, and knowing when to stop, they can reduce the likelihood of harm – even in unpredictable environments.
And with the right training and support, every lone worker can feel confident in what they’re doing – and stay safe doing it.