Some people seem to think that lone workers are rare. But actually, they’re very common nowadays. You have plumbers and electricians – all you would need to really do is search for ‘plumbers near me‘ on the internet, and voila, they are at your doorstep! Real estate agents often show off homes without any else. Sometimes nurses or doctors go alone inside a patient’s room. You see them everywhere but you really don’t notice that they’re alone without others from their company. You don’t even think about the dangers of working alone unless you suddenly become one of these workers and realize how vulnerable you are. If you’re the boss of these people, you need to think of their welfare as well.

Some of these jobs may seem safe, but others are downright dangerous. Here are 3 of the worst and most dangerous jobs that lone workers do:

1. Security Guards

The fact that a company or a shop needs security guards means there’s a need for security. Businesses don’t usually hire people they don’t really need, so being a security guard can be dangerous.

It’s especially dangerous when you only have a single security guard to watch over your business at off hours. Even when you have a group, sometimes it’s more efficient to check places with security guards going off alone. While some companies have 2 guards working together, other companies may require single workers checking areas alone so the work can be completed with a large area to check.

It’s dangerous because you may have properties in place that other people may like to steal. They may hurt security guards to steal what they want, and they can be armed-and dangerous.

Security guards may want to apply for jobs that allow concealed carry. This usually requires additional licensing, such as an armed guard license, in addition to a concealed carry license. Along with proper training, having the best firearm insurance can provide essential protection in case a weapon ever needs to be used on duty. You can learn more about the laws surrounding traditional concealed carry here, and a lot of this will be relevant to security guards too – https://gunlawsuits.org/gun-laws/virginia/concealed-carry/. If you are looking into this for yourself or an employee, you may want to seek legal counsel first.

2. Late Night Retail Store Workers

Some retail stores may leave you working alone behind the counter, and this can be inherently dangerous. While most people are harmless, there are always exceptions. You could find yourself alone in the store with no other customers present except for someone carrying a knife or a gun. It’s a frightening situation, but one that can happen.

This is one reason why some businesses, such as petrol stations and convenience stores, invest in stronger security measures like bulletproof screens, surveillance systems, controlled access points, and overnight security personnel. Discussions around workplace security in such high-risk environments may also involve broader awareness of regulated firearm ownership and licensed security practices in certain regions.

In that regard, owners of these businesses can browse websites like gunbuy.com.au that tend to operate within this regulated space by connecting licensed buyers, sellers, and dealers through compliant firearm transactions handled by authorized dealers. Businesses should also prioritize preventative safety measures such as trained personnel, surveillance systems, and proper workplace safety protocols to help reduce risks before situations escalate.

This sort of job can be scary, and it’s dangerous. It’s best if you don’t have women as your lone workers at night, but even male workers are still at risk. You need greater security measures in place, and you may want to hire a security guard late at night to help deter criminals from even trying.

3. Social Workers

Many professionals enter other people’s homes as part of their daily responsibilities, including electricians, plumbers, audio installers, handymen, and even visiting nurses who provide care for sick or injured individuals. These roles carry inherent risks because workers often have little control over the environments they enter or the emotional state of the people inside the home.

Whenever possible, social workers should avoid entering potentially volatile environments alone, especially when there is a strong indication of anger or conflict. Unfortunately, government offices and agencies are not always fully aware of the level of threat involved until a dangerous situation has already developed.

The real truth is that all these jobs are dangerous. If you’re their boss, you should really take measures to keep them safe, or else it may be too late.