Control measures for lone working

Check the regulations in your area, because some jurisdictions have specific laws about working alone. Many steps can help keep the lone worker safe:

• avoid having a lone worker whenever possible, especially for jobs with a recognised risk, and use a buddy system
• give suitable training and education to both the lone worker and the person who must respond if there is concern
• use electronic or visual monitors. If they are introduced through proper negotiation they can offer some protection, and personal alarm security systems (PASS) can also help
• set risk-based check-in times, a named monitor, backup contact and a prompt response for missed contact. Test coverage, equipment and the response; a device or log alone does not provide help
• schedule higher-risk tasks for normal business hours, or for when another worker able to help in an emergency is present
• report all situations, incidents and near misses where being alone made things worse, then analyse the information and change company policy where necessary
• investigate incidents in your own workplace and learn from incidents in similar workplaces

What to consider when assessing the risks of lone working

In Great Britain, lone-working risks can be addressed within the general risk assessment rather than a separate document. You do, however, have a duty to include risks to lone workers in your general risk assessment and to take steps to avoid or control them where necessary. Three areas should be considered: the activity, the workplace and the individual.

Activity

• Is there enough training and education for the person to be able to work alone safely?
• Is enough personal protective equipment available, and is it in good working order?
• What machinery, tools or equipment will be used?
• Is there a high-risk activity involved?
• Is fatigue likely to be a factor?
• Are there extremes of temperature?
• Is there a risk of an animal attack, or an insect bite that is poisonous or causes an allergic reaction?
• If the person is working inside a locked building, how will the emergency services get in? An example is a night cleaner in a secure office building.
• Does the work involve money or other valuables?
• Does the work involve seizing property or goods, such as repossession or recovering stolen property?
• What is a reasonable length of time for the person to be alone?
• Is it reasonable for the person to be alone at all?
• How long will the person be alone to finish the job?
• Is it legal for the person to be alone for certain activities? Some jurisdictions restrict working alone in a confined space or during lockout and tagout operations.
• At what time of day will the person be alone?

Workplace

• Is the work in a remote or isolated location? A remote location need not be far away, since rarely used storage rooms can count as remote or isolated.
• Is transport needed to get there, and what kind?
• Is the vehicle equipped with emergency supplies such as food and drinking water, and a first aid kit?
• Will the person need to carry some or all of the emergency supplies when they leave the vehicle?
• Does the person need training to use the first aid equipment?
• What are the consequences if the vehicle breaks down?
• Will the person have to leave the vehicle for long periods?
• What forms of communication are available?
• Is it necessary to see the person, or is voice communication enough?
• Will the emergency communication systems work properly in all situations?
• If the communication systems are in a vehicle, are alternative arrangements needed to cover the person when they are away from it?

Individual

• Are there any existing medical conditions that may increase the risk?
• Does the person have enough experience and training, for example in first aid, repairing communication systems, vehicle breakdowns, relevant administrative procedures or outdoor survival?
• Is there any reason the worker might be more vulnerable, for example because they are young, pregnant, disabled or a trainee?

The risk assessment should help to decide the right level of supervision for lone workers. Each circumstance is different, so adapt the questions to your situation. Consider how to control the risks by thinking about who will be involved, where the work will happen and which triggers could have more impact on lone workers.

Summary notes for Element 8 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.