Lone Working Procedure

1. Introduction

This procedure outlines the arrangements for lone working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of personnel working alone at client premises or in isolated environments. Lone working is defined as working by oneself without close or direct supervision.

2. Risk Assessment

Before undertaking lone working, a risk assessment will be conducted considering:

• Nature of the work and associated hazards
• Location and environment
• Time of day and duration of work
• Access and egress routes
• Potential for violence or aggression
• Communication and emergency arrangements

3. Pre-Work Planning

Before commencing lone working:

• Confirm appointment details with client
• Inform a designated contact of location and expected finish time
• Ensure mobile phone is fully charged and signal is available
• Review site-specific hazards with client where possible
• Carry identification and emergency contact information

4. Communication Arrangements

Check-in Procedure:

• Contact designated person upon arrival at site
• Provide update if work duration extends significantly
• Contact designated person upon completion and departure

If Unable to Make Contact:

The designated contact will attempt to reach the lone worker by phone. If no response is received within 30 minutes of the expected check-in time, the designated contact will attend the site or contact emergency services as appropriate.

5. Safety Measures

When working alone:

• Park in well-lit, accessible locations with clear exit routes
• Request client presence or another household member be available if uncomfortable
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and emergency exits
• Avoid high-risk tasks that require additional support
• Trust instincts and leave immediately if feeling unsafe
• Keep vehicle keys accessible for quick departure if necessary

6. Unacceptable Situations

Lone working will not proceed if:

• The task presents significant risk that requires supervision or assistance
• The worker feels unsafe or threatened
• Client or household members display aggressive or inappropriate behaviour
• Working conditions are hazardous and cannot be made safe
• Communication facilities are inadequate

7. Emergency Procedures

In Case of Emergency:

• Call 999 for immediate danger or serious injury
• Contact designated person to inform them of the situation
• Leave the premises if personal safety is at risk
• Report incident as soon as safely possible

Emergency Contact Numbers:

Emergency Services: 999
Non-Emergency Police: 101
NHS 111: 111

8. Incident Reporting

All incidents, near misses, or concerns relating to lone working must be recorded, including:

• Date, time, and location
• Description of what occurred
• Actions taken
• Recommendations to prevent recurrence

9. Training and Awareness

Personnel undertaking lone working will be familiar with:

• This lone working procedure
• Risk assessment requirements
• Communication and check-in protocols
• Emergency procedures

10. Procedure Review

This procedure will be reviewed annually or following any incident involving a lone worker to ensure its continued effectiveness.

11. Contact Information

Director: Rick Keenan
Email: rick-the-handyman@proton.me
Phone: 07909 912 038
Address: 15 Gainsborough St, Sudbury, CO10 2EU