8.4 Lone working

Written by Imran Qureshi (NEBOSH)

NEBOSH IGC · Workplace hazards · 15 questions

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

Which of these is lone working?
- A Two cleaners working together
- B A team of four loading a truck
- C A delivery driver on a round
- D A group in a meeting
A control for lone working is:
- A No training
- B Unclear instructions
- C Regular check-ins
- D Longer shifts alone
An extra hazard for lone workers is:
- A Too many colleagues
- B Overheating
- C Excess supervision
- D No help in an emergency
A lone worker is someone who:
- A Works by themselves without close or direct supervision
- B Works only in an office with colleagues
- C Works with a partner always
- D Works only outdoors
Which of these is a particular hazard of lone working?
- A Nobody to help in an accident or medical emergency
- B More colleagues
- C More supervision
- D More noise
A system for lone workers could include:
- A Avoiding training
- B Working without a means of raising the alarm
- C No contact at all
- D Phone check-ins at agreed times
What should happen if a lone worker does not report in?
- A A set procedure for checking on them is followed
- B They are ignored until the next day
- C Nothing
- D They are fined
Before allowing lone working, the first question is whether:
- A The task can safely be done alone
- B The worker likes it
- C The customer agrees
- D The task is quick
Which of these is a risk of lone working beyond the task itself?
- A Excess supervision
- B Too many meetings
- C Violence from others and travel risks
- D Too many helpers
A lone worker device is used to:
- A Stop machines
- B Raise the alarm and allow contact if help is needed
- C Measure noise
- D Count hours
An assessment of lone working should look at:
- A The work, the place, the person and emergency arrangements
- B Only the policy
- C Only the pay
- D Only the vehicle
Extra care is needed for a lone worker who has:
- A A loud voice
- B A new uniform
- C A medical condition
- D A good record
First aid for lone workers can be supported by:
- A A longer shift
- B Removing the alarm
- C Training and a first aid kit
- D Removing contact
A home visit worker meets strangers in private homes. Which control suits this risk?
- A Visiting at random
- B Telling the office where they are and agreeing check-in times
- C Working without a phone
- D Never reporting in
Training for lone workers helps them to:
- A Deal with emergencies and know when to withdraw
- B Work longer hours
- C Avoid reporting
- D Avoid all risks

Answer key

1. C, 2. C, 3. D, 4. A, 5. A, 6. D, 7. A, 8. A, 9. C, 10. B, 11. A, 12. C, 13. C, 14. B, 15. A

Lone workers are without direct supervision.
Contact systems help.
Nobody is there to help.
Examples are shop staff at night and remote site workers.
Isolation and delayed help are the main hazards.
Contact and checks are a main control.
Procedures if contact is lost are part of the controls.
Some work should not be done alone.
Isolation increases exposure.
It is a means of raising the alarm.
Each of these affects the risk.
A condition could put them at greater risk when alone.
They may need to treat themselves.
Check-ins and a procedure reduce the risk.
Competence is a control.