Risk Assessment

Employers should set the limits of what can and cannot be done by workers while working alone.

If the risk assessment shows that the risk is too hazardous for one worker to manage alone, you’ll need to introduce other arrangements.

For example, if someone needs support with moving and assisting, and you decide that it’s not safe for one person to do it.

Some physical health related issues that could arise from lone working include:

• the worker’s physical health when undertaking risk assessments for lone working settings/roles
• provision of training in the safe use of equipment, lifting and handling before the worker is deemed competent and safe to work alone (in a role which requires these tasks)
• provision of safe and appropriate equipment
• changes to people’s care and support that happens unexpectedly, requiring a different response to the planned care, with a potential impact on the workers physical health
• making prompt referrals to occupational health if physical problems arise.

Here are potential risks that lone workers might face.

Consider which ones are applicable to your workers and use this checklist to prompt further discussion and explore potential risks.

Review the findings and use them to develop a lone worker risk assessment.

Please note, this list is intended as a guide only and is not exhaustive.

• Having the right values, skills and knowledge to feel confident to effectively work alone
• Accessing up to date information about the people that workers are supporting
• Having the skills and confidence to decline to provide support that is not in the care plan or that the worker feels is unsafe

• Travelling to and from work, or for work, including:

walking, using public transport, cycling, logging that you have arrived / process if you are not able to arrive

• Using their own cars, including:

business insurance, breakdown cover and processes, accidents, safe parking, driving with a person supported in the car

• Carrying confidential information
• Adverse weather conditions
• Travelling to an unfamiliar area
• Driving for long periods and rest breaks, especially in rural areas
• Provision of first aid kit, torch, personal alarm

• Using equipment,

including: moving and assisting, specific equipment, personal protective equipment, safe use of chemicals (COSHH)

• Safety of the environment,

such as: hygiene and cleanliness, visitors, family and friends, substance misuse

• Accessing people’s homes or other spaces

for example, using lifts in high rise buildings

• Keeping in contact with lone workers
• Emergencies, logging changes, ‘emergency code words’ and escape routes Incidents and accidents while working alone
• Policies and procedures around personal safety, and worker’s understanding of them
• Training in health and safety, which is tailored to the role and situation
• Risks due to personal circumstances or health conditions, such as workers that are pregnant, young, disabled and/or from an agency

• Safe moving and handling training
• Provision of safe and appropriate equipment
• Environmental risks to physical health

• Refreshment, toilet and lunch breaks for lone workers
• Communication channels to seek advice when needed, especially out of hours
• Initiatives to support mental health and wellbeing
• Opportunities for lone workers to meet with colleagues
• Support after an incident or accident