LONE WORKING Lone workers are those who work

LONE WORKING

Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Employers have a duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary. Such staff may be exposed to greater risk because there is no-one to assist them.

Employers have a duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary. This must include: • Involving workers when considering potential risks and measures to control them. • Taking steps to ensure risks are removed where possible. • Putting in place control measures, e. g. carefully selecting work equipment to ensure the worker is able to perform the required tasks in a safe environment. • Instruction, training and supervision. • Reviewing risk assessments periodically or when there has been a significant change in a working practice.

It is important to consider the following when lone working: • Be aware of risk assessments relating to lone working and the potential increase in risk due to lone working • Following correct lone working procedures and familiarise yourself with the lone working policy. • Ensure different modes of contact to line managers have been established. • Inform work colleagues/management of location and duration of lone working. • Report in at the end of the working day.

Further information on a range of health and safety matters can be found on both the Health and Safety Executive website and on the Councils Monitor pages.