HR & People Management

Lone Worker Protocol

Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy

Purpose

To protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of team members who may be working alone during client visits, travel, or in the clinic after hours.

Definition of a Lone Worker

A staff member is considered a lone worker if they:

• Conduct home or community visits alone.

• Work outside normal hours when no other staff are present.

• Travel alone between appointments.

• Are in situations without direct supervision or support.

Risks of Lone Working

• Medical emergencies without immediate assistance.

• Exposure to aggressive behaviour or unsafe environments.

• Slips, trips, or falls without timely help.

• Psychological impact from working in isolation.

Preventative Measures

1. Pre-Visit Risk Assessment

• Review client history and known risks.

• Check for known environmental or behavioural concerns (e.g., pets, substance use in the home, history of aggression).

• Conduct a risk rating: Low / Medium / High.

• High-risk clients should not be attended alone.

2. Schedule Transparency

• All staff must update their location and schedule in the shared calendar (e.g., Splose).

• Indicate estimated arrival and departure times.

3. Check-In System

• Use a buddy system or safety app (e.g., WorkSafe Guardian or a designated Teams chat).

• Text or call your check-in buddy before and after appointments higher than a ‘low’ risk level.

• If not checked in within 15 minutes of expected time, the buddy initiates follow-up action:

  1. Attempt phone contact.

  2. If no response, escalate to a supervisor or emergency contact.

  3. If still unresolved, call emergency services with last known location.

4. Communication Tools

• Ensure your phone is charged and accessible.

• Save key contacts: supervisor, emergency services, practice manager.

• Consider carrying a portable charger, duress alarm, or tracking device if working in remote areas.

5. After-Hours Work

• Avoid being alone in the clinic outside standard hours where possible.

• If necessary, inform a colleague or buddy with estimated duration.

• Ensure doors are locked and access to emergency exits is clear.

Response Plan for Incidents

If a lone worker:

• Feels unsafe: Leave the site immediately and notify a supervisor or member of leadership.

• Is injured or unwell: Call emergency services first, then contact your supervisor or the Director.

• Experiences aggression or abuse: Remove yourself, document the incident, and complete an incident report.

Training and Awareness

• Lone worker training to be included in staff induction.

• Annual review of the protocol in team meetings.

• Emergency contact details reviewed and updated annually.

Record Keeping

• All check-ins, incident reports, and risk assessments should be documented and stored securely in Splose or the OneDrive.