Vulnerable Workers

Health and Safety Guidance Topics » Vulnerable Workers

Health & Safety Guidance: Vulnerable Workers

Protecting Workers Who Face Increased Risk in the Workplace

1. What we mean by “vulnerable workers”

“Vulnerable workers” refers to employees (or contractors) who, for a variety of reasons, may face increased risks at work or may be less able to protect themselves compared to others. Some examples include:

Young workers, or workers new to a role.
Older workers, or those returning to work after a break.
Workers with disabilities or health conditions.
Migrant or agency workers, gig economy workers, or temporary/contract staff.
Pregnant workers and new mothers.
Those working alone, or in isolated / remote environments.

These groups may face additional challenges: less awareness of risks, less experience, language or cultural barriers, less access to training, or less influence over their working conditions.

2. Why it matters

Ensuring health and safety for vulnerable workers is not just good practice — it’s often a legal requirement and a moral obligation. Ignoring the special risks faced by these workers can lead to:

Increased incidents of accidents, injury, or ill-health.
Higher costs (medical, lost time, damage to reputation).
Potential regulatory sanctions or liability.
Lower morale and higher turnover, undermining safety culture.

3. Responsibilities for employers

As an employer or duty-holder you should:

Identify who in your workforce may be vulnerable.
Assess the specific risks they face: consider task, environment, equipment, supervision, and communication.
Adapt your risk control measures to reflect greater vulnerability:
- Provide additional training and supervision.
- Ensure instructions and warnings are clear and accessible (consider language, literacy, disability).
- Adjust work tasks, shift patterns, or other conditions where needed.
Engage with the workers themselves: listen to concerns, encourage reporting of hazards, and ensure they feel safe to speak up.
Monitor and review controls regularly to ensure they remain effective, especially if workforce or conditions change.

4. Common vulnerable worker scenarios and how to manage them

Worker Group	Key Risks	Suggested Controls
Young workers / New to the job	Lack of experience, under-prepared for hazards	Buddying with experienced staff, extra training, clear induction
Older workers / returning after break	Potential physical or cognitive limitations, unfamiliarity with changed equipment	Ergonomic review, refresher training, adjust duties
Workers with disabilities / long-term health conditions	Physical or sensory impairments, less able to detect or avoid hazards	Site/accessibility audit, tailor controls, consult the worker
Migrant workers / agency / temporary workers	Language/cultural barriers, less familiar with site, less stable employment	Multilingual instructions, clear on-boarding, consistent supervision
Pregnant workers / new mothers	Biological vulnerability, changing physical conditions	Risk assessment specific to pregnancy, adjust tasks as required
Lone worker or remote workers	Isolation, fewer immediate helpers, delayed emergency response	Regular check-ins, suitable communications equipment, emergency plan

5. Steps to build an inclusive safety strategy

Develop a policy statement acknowledging the need to protect vulnerable workers.
Embed risk assessment processes that explicitly include vulnerable worker considerations.
Ensure training and communication materials are accessible (plain language, multiple formats/languages).
Promote a culture where reporting hazards is safe and encouraged.
Audit and review performance: track incidents, gather feedback, and update controls when needed.

6. Monitoring, review & continuous improvement

Set KPIs that include representation of all worker groups.
Investigate incidents with a focus on vulnerability.
Regularly revisit the work environment and processes.
Engage workers through consultation forums or focus groups.

Protecting vulnerable workers is a crucial part of an effective health & safety system. By recognising who is at higher risk, adapting controls accordingly, and fostering an inclusive culture, you build a safer and more resilient workplace.