Lone Working And Your Business: What You Need to Know

Lone working is common in many job roles, with many industries requiring people to work alone from time to time. This can range from office work to being onsite, and can happen at any time of the day and night. However, lone working comes with specific risks and responsibilities that both employers and employees must understand and manage effectively.

In this post, we’ll explore what lone working is and the importance of having a lone working policy to help you manage the risks and health and safety issues associated with it.

What is lone working?

Lone working refers to situations where employees work by themselves without close or direct supervision or close contact with colleagues. This could happen in a variety of settings, including remote locations, outside normal working hours, or even within the office if the employee is isolated from others. For example, a security guard on a night shift, a cleaner working outside regular business hours, or an employee working from home could all be considered lone workers.

What are some of the risks of working alone?

Lone workers face unique risks because they are without immediate support from others if something goes wrong. These risks can include:

Increased vulnerability to accidents or emergencies

Without someone nearby to provide assistance, a lone worker could find themselves in a difficult situation if they are injured or fall ill. It is crucial to seek medical advice for employees with medical conditions to ensure they are capable of working alone safely.

Risk of violence or aggression

Some roles, particularly those involving cash handling, high value goods, or working in isolated areas, can make lone workers more susceptible to violence or aggression from members of the public.

In high risk scenarios, it is crucial to have more than one person present to ensure safety and mitigate potential threats.

Stress and mental health issues

Working alone can lead to feelings of isolation and increased stress, especially if the worker feels unsupported or is unable to seek help when needed.

Fatigue

Lone workers may struggle to take adequate breaks or manage their workload effectively, leading to fatigue and the associated risks of reduced concentration and the possibility of making mistakes.

What is a lone working policy?

A lone working policy is a document that outlines how your business will manage and support employees who work alone. It should define what lone working means within your organisation, the associated risks, and the measures in place to protect your employees. This generally involves creating a workplace risk assessment and building policies around the risks. The policy should also specify the procedures for reporting incidents, the roles and responsibilities of both employers and employees, and any necessary training employees need to undertake. Employers must comply with health and safety legislation to ensure a safe working environment for lone workers.

A detailed lone working policy not only helps protect your employees but also ensures your business complies with health and safety regulations. This can reduce the risk of legal action or penalties should an incident occur.

How to manage the risks of lone working

Effectively managing the risks of lone working requires a proactive approach. Here are some essential steps:

Conducting a lone worker risk assessment is crucial for identifying and managing the unique hazards faced by lone workers, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

1.     Carry out a lone working risk assessment

This involves identifying the specific risks associated with lone working in your business and implementing appropriate controls. Consider factors such as the nature of the work, the environment, and the individual worker’s health and experience. Regularly review and update the risk assessment to account for any changes.

2.     Provide training and guidance to employees

Ensure that all lone workers understand the risks they may face and how to manage them. Training should include emergency procedures, how to use any equipment safely, and guidance on maintaining regular contact with supervisors or colleagues.

3.     Provide the right safety wear and equipment

Depending on the nature of the work, this could include personal protective equipment (PPE), communication devices such as mobile phones or two-way radios, and lone worker alarms. Ensure that the equipment is regularly checked and maintained, and that employees are trained in how to use it.

At phs Besafe, we have a range of safety garments that are ideal for helping to make employees visible while on night shifts, while also giving them vital protection against environmental factors, flames and more. If it is required for the role, then it is your duty as an employer to provide this safety workwear.

Creating a Safe Working Environment

Creating a safe working environment for lone workers is crucial to minimise health and safety risks. Employers must ensure that the work environment is free from hazards and that lone workers have the necessary resources and equipment to perform their tasks safely. This includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring that equipment is well-maintained, and implementing safe working procedures.

Employers should also consider the physical and psychological demands of the job and ensure that lone workers are not put at risk due to fatigue, stress, or other factors. Regular breaks, adequate lighting, and comfortable working conditions can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Furthermore, employers should establish clear communication channels with lone workers, including regular check-ins and emergency contact procedures. This can help to ensure that lone workers can quickly report any incidents or concerns and receive prompt assistance if needed.

Supervision and Monitoring

Supervision and monitoring are essential components of lone worker safety. Employers must ensure that lone workers are adequately supervised and monitored to prevent accidents and injuries. This can include regular visits to the workplace, phone or video calls, and the use of technology such as GPS tracking or lone worker apps.

Employers should also establish clear procedures for monitoring lone workers, including regular check-ins and emergency contact procedures. This can help to ensure that lone workers can quickly report any incidents or concerns and receive prompt assistance if needed.

In addition, employers should provide lone workers with training on safety procedures and emergency protocols, including what to do in case of an accident or injury. This can help to ensure that lone workers are equipped to respond to emergencies and minimise the risk of harm.

Managing Remote or Isolated Work

Managing remote or isolated work requires special consideration to ensure the safety and well-being of lone workers. Employers must assess the risks associated with remote or isolated work and implement control measures to minimise those risks.

This can include providing lone workers with specialised training on safety procedures and emergency protocols, as well as ensuring that they have access to emergency services and medical care. Employers should also establish clear communication channels with lone workers, including regular check-ins and emergency contact procedures.

Furthermore, employers should consider the psychological and social impacts of remote or isolated work on lone workers, including the risk of isolation, stress, and fatigue. Regular breaks, adequate lighting, and comfortable working conditions can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Implementing a Lone Worker Service

Implementing a lone worker service can help employers to manage the risks associated with lone working and ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. A lone worker service can provide employers with a range of benefits, including:

·         Real-time monitoring of lone workers

·         Emergency response protocols

·         Regular check-ins and communication

·         Training and support for lone workers

·         Compliance with health and safety regulations

Employers should consider the following factors when implementing a lone worker service:

·         The type of work being performed

·         The level of risk associated with the work

·         The number of lone workers

·         The geographical location of the work

·         The availability of emergency services and medical care

By implementing a lone worker service, employers can help to minimise the risks associated with lone working and ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.

Health and safety responsibilities

Health and safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility between employers and employees and is very important in the context of lone workwear. While you may be wondering which law regulates lone working, there aren’t any specific laws on the subject. However, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act details employer/employee responsibilities for health and safety overall, which lone working comes under. Employers have legal obligations under health and safety law to ensure the safety of their workers, and non-compliance can result in fines and penalties. Here’s a breakdown of what’s expected according to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974:

As an employer

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, including those who work alone. This includes self employed people, for whom employers must also ensure safety measures are in place.

·       Conducting risk assessments

As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to identify and assess the risks associated with lone working and implement appropriate measures to control them.

·       Providing adequate resources

Employers must ensure that lone workers have the necessary equipment, training, and support to carry out their duties safely.

·       Monitoring and reviewing

Regularly monitor lone workers and review policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

·       Maintaining communication

Ensure there are systems in place for lone workers to keep in regular contact and report any concerns or incidents.

As an employee

·       Following the lone working policy

Employees must adhere to the guidelines and procedures set out by their employer, including using any safety equipment provided.

·       Reporting issues

It’s vital that lone workers report any health and safety concerns, incidents, or near-misses to their employer promptly.

·       Taking care of their own health and safety

Lone workers should be aware of their own wellbeing, taking regular breaks and managing their workload effectively to avoid fatigue or stress.

Protecting health and safety at work is important, and the Health and Safety Executive has put together a lot of useful information for employers around lone working which can help you shape your lone working policies.

Protecting lone workers with phs Besafe

Lone working can offer flexibility and independence to your employees, but it also comes with unique risks that must be managed carefully. As part of your lone working risk assessment, it’s important to consider any protective equipment your employees may need, and that’s where phs Besafe can help.

phs Besafe stocks a wide range of health and safety workwear, providing businesses all over the UK with safety garments that are durable and provide protection to workers. We can also provide a managed laundry service that will ensure your workers always have access to clean, efficient safety gear.

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility – and with the right approach, lone working can be both safe and effective. Contact phs Besafe today to discuss your health and safety needs.