Lone working - Violence and personal security

The purpose of this method statement is to provide guidelines and procedures for managing the risks associated with violence and personal security for employees who work alone. It aims to ensure the safety and well-being of lone workers by minimizing the potential for violence, harassment, or threats and ensuring a swift response in case such incidents occur.

This method statement applies to all employees who work alone and may be exposed to potential violence or threats to their personal security, including but not limited to: Home visits (e.g., social workers, healthcare professionals) Fieldwork in isolated or high-risk areas Late-night or early-morning work shifts Cash handling or working with valuables Security personnel

Lone Worker: Responsible for following the procedures outlined in this method statement, ensuring personal safety, and reporting any incidents or concerns. Line Manager/Supervisor: Ensures that lone workers are briefed on the method statement, conducts risk assessments, and monitors compliance. Health & Safety Officer: Develops and implements safety protocols, conducts regular risk assessments, and provides necessary training. Human Resources: Provides support and counseling for employees who have experienced violence or threats, and ensures policies are in place to protect employees.

Communication Devices: Mobile phone with emergency contact numbers pre-programmed Personal alarm or panic button GPS tracking device (if applicable) Two-way radio (in areas with poor mobile signal) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Body armor (if applicable and risk assessment warrants) High-visibility clothing (for visibility in low-light situations) Documentation: Incident report forms Risk assessment documentation Contact information for local authorities and emergency services

Pre-Work Preparation: Conduct a risk assessment for the specific task or location to identify potential threats. Plan the visit or work task, considering the time of day, location, and any known risks. Inform your line manager/supervisor of your itinerary, including the location, time of visit, and expected duration. Ensure that your communication devices are fully charged and operational. Familiarize yourself with the area and identify any safe locations (e.g., police stations, public places) where you can seek help if necessary. During the Work Task: Maintain regular check-ins with your line manager/supervisor as per the agreed schedule. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that feel unsafe or where you feel threatened. Keep a safe distance from individuals who appear aggressive or hostile. If you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation immediately and contact your supervisor. Use personal alarms or panic buttons if you feel threatened or in danger. In case of an escalation, seek a safe location and contact emergency services immediately. Post-Work Task: Inform your supervisor once the task is completed and you have left the location safely. Report any incidents, near misses, or concerns to your supervisor immediately. Complete any required incident reports and provide details for further investigation if needed.

Avoid working alone in known high-risk areas or at times when there is a higher likelihood of encountering aggressive individuals. Always maintain communication with your line manager/supervisor and follow the check-in schedule. Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and do not disclose this information to others. Be prepared to use personal alarms or other safety devices if necessary.

Threatening Situation: If you feel threatened, remove yourself from the situation immediately and go to a safe location. Use your personal alarm or call emergency services. Violent Incident: If a violent incident occurs, do not engage physically. Try to de-escalate the situation verbally while seeking an exit. Contact emergency services as soon as possible. Failure to Check-In: If you miss a scheduled check-in, your supervisor will attempt to contact you. If there is no response, they will initiate the emergency protocol, which may include contacting local authorities.

Select well-lit and populated areas for work tasks whenever possible to reduce the risk of violence. Minimize environmental hazards (e.g., trip hazards, unsafe structures) during the work task that could exacerbate the situation in an emergency. Ensure that any waste or materials from the task are disposed of properly to avoid creating hazards.

All lone workers must undergo training on recognizing and de-escalating potentially violent situations, personal safety measures, and emergency procedures. Training should include the use of communication devices, personal alarms, and the proper reporting of incidents. Regular refresher training sessions should be provided to ensure employees remain competent in managing risks related to violence and personal security.

Regularly review risk assessments and update them based on new information or incidents. Monitor compliance with lone working procedures, especially check-in protocols and the use of safety equipment. Conduct post-incident reviews to learn from any incidents and improve procedures. Review the method statement annually or after any significant incident to ensure it remains effective and relevant.