Advice for Staff

Advice for lone workers, and information about how to keep yourself and your possessions safe at work.

Lone Workers

When studying or working alone late at night or out-of-hours, the Security Section can offer advice and guidance on how to stay safe.

Students and staff often find themselves working long hours in buildings with few people, or at remote locations. In order to enhance and maintain your own safety and the security of the building, we encourage you to notify us of any problems that may arise, or concerns you may have.

Further Guidance

Lone working guidance

For further guidance, consult the University of Edinburgh’s Lone Working Guidance Notes

Staying Safe

  • Be wary around cash points and keep your valuables out of sight.
  • When walking alone at night, don’t listen to music. Stay alert.
  • Use common sense. If working late or by yourself, tell somebody. If you feel unsafe or something is not right, contact the Security Section or Police Scotland.

Protecting your Possessions

  • Try to keep expensive things (like your phone, tablet or laptop) out of sight when you’re out and about.
  • Don’t leave your valuable property unattended in libraries, meeting rooms or other open spaces.
  • Ensure you mark your laptop, tablets, phones, bikes and other valuables with a unique identifier – preferably where it can’t be seen.
  • Apply a passcode to all mobile devices. Dial *#06# on your mobile for a unique number. Take a note of this number to aid with recovery if it’s lost or stolen
  • Lock your bicycle with good quality locks and in sheds or well-lit areas.

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