Lone Working

Guidance Notes

There are a number of practical steps that can be followed, to help lone workers minimise the risk of an incident occurring, It is essential that where technology fails appropriate back·up procedures are in place to ensure the safety of the lone worker at all times. Under no circumstances should staff compromise their safety. If they feel unsafe at any point, while in a lone working situation, they should remove themselves from the situation immediately.

• Lone workers should always ensure that someone else (a manager or appropriate colleague) are aware of their movements. This includes providing them with the full address of where they are working, the details of the person(s) with whom they will be working or visiting, telephone numbers if known and indications of how long they expect to be at those locations (both arrival and departure time).
• A visit log that is left with a manager or colleague(s) should be completed and maintained by lone workers.
• Arrangements should be in place to ensure that if colleague(s), with whom details have been left, leave for some reason they will pass the details on to another colleague who will check that the lone worker arrives back at their office/base or has safely completed their duties.
• Procedures should also be in place to ensure that the lone worker is in regular contact with their manager or relevant colleague, particularly if they are delayed or have to cancel the appointment.
• Where there is a genuine concern, as a result of a lone worker failing to attend a visit, or an arranged meeting, within an agreed time, the manager should utilise the information provided in the log to help track the lone worker and ascertain whether or not they turned up for previous appointments that day. Depending on the circumstance and whether contact through normal means (mobile phones, pager etc.) can or cannot be made, the manager or colleague should involve security or the police, if necessary. It is important that matters are dealt with quickly where it is thought that the lone worker may be at risk

Risk assessment prior to a visit, or lone working

It is essential that lone workers remain alert throughout the visit or the work that they are undertaking and ensure that they are aware of entrances and exits, in the event of an emergency. Techniques are taught through conflict resolution training and demonstrate to staff the correct positions they should place themselves in, should they need to make a good escape. If a violent situation develops, then staff should immediately terminate the visit and leave the location.

During visits or lone working

• Lone workers should be prepared and fully briefed, having concluded a necessary and appropriate risk assessment with their manager ahead of their visits, where appropriate risks have been identified. They should carry an ID badge and be prepared to identify themselves. They should not position themselves in a corner or in a situation where it may be difficult to escape.
• Lone workers should remain calm and focused at all times and keep their possessions close to them.
• Lone workers should be aware of their own body language (as well as the body language of the client or patient/service user), as there is the potential risk of exacerbating the situation by sending out the wrong signals, particularly where there may be cultural, gender or physical issues to consider. Body language or other forms of non-verbal communication and mannerisms, plays an important role in how people perceive and behave towards other people