Lone working - Violence and personal security
Persons exposed
Type of assessment
Hazards and control measures
Hazard
• Possibility of staff suffering an injury or being the subject of an assault and being unable to gain immediate assistance, resulting in serious injuries.
• Assault
• Work Alone
• Reporting Procedures Followed
• Provisions of Written Policy
• Induction Training
• Provisions of Written Safe Systems of Work
• Supervision Required
• Good Staff Communications
Hazard
• Personal injury
• Verbal Abuse
• Remote locations
• Extreme weather conditions
• Communication black spots
• Slow response to emergencies
• Personal allegations
• Vehicle breakdown
• Darkness
• Only those tasks considered suitable are carried out by lone workers, unsuitable tasks e.g. working from ladders, use of hazardous machinery, dangerous chemicals, out of hours in remote rooms, responding to intruder alarms, etc are not carried out by lone workers
• Colleagues have been provided with sufficient information, instruction, and training. Documented records are available.
• A written lone working procedure is in place. Documented records are available.
• Means are in place for lone workers to raise and alarm and obtain assistance
• Lone workers have access to first-aid kits and / or adequate first-aid facilities
• Vehicles used by lone workers have emergency breakdown cover in place
Staff advised to carry mobile phone with them at all times so that they are able to contact and raise the alarm in cases of emergency.