News from
the iO
iO RELEASES NEW LONE WORKER TOOLKIT TO SUPPORT MEMBER SAFETY
The Institute of Osteopathy has released a new Lone Worker Toolkit to support osteopaths who practise independently or spend significant time working alone. The member‑exclusive resource provides clear, practical guidance to help practitioners stay safe in clinic, during home visits, and in remote or isolated environments.
All osteopaths that work 1-2-1 with patients without a colleague present and out of earshot of colleagues can be considered to be lone workers. The Toolkit brings together essential advice regarding how to identify risks, meet professional and legal responsibilities, and apply appropriate safety measures across different practice settings.

Who the Toolkit is for
The resource is designed for:
- Anyone working remotely or without colleagues on site
- Osteopaths working early or late shifts alone
- Practitioners conducting home visits
- Clinicians travelling between locations
Support for employers and clinic owners
The Toolkit also provides guidance to help clinic owners meet their duty of care towards staff who work alone. It includes information on:
- Conducting risk assessments
- Developing safety procedures
- Establishing communication and escalation protocols
A practical, ready-to-use resource for members
Members can access templates, checklists and straightforward advice to help strengthen their approach to lone working and promote safer practice conditions for themselves and their teams.
Use your exclusive members' resource
Members can download the Lone Worker Toolkit in the Running Your Practice hub of their Members Zone and start strengthening their practice with knowledge and confidence.