Managing the risks

The law says that employers must assess and control the risks in their workplace. You must think about what might cause harm to people and decide whether you are doing enough to prevent that harm. If you employ five or more workers, you must write down what you’ve found.

Maintaining a Risk Record

Your risk record should include:

• Hazards (things that may cause harm)
• How these hazards may harm people
• Current measures to control these risks

This record must be reviewed and updated regularly, especially if anything changes.

While there is no legal requirement for a separate risk assessment for lone workers, you must include risks to lone workers in your general risk assessment and take steps to avoid or control these risks.

This includes:

• Involving workers in identifying potential risks and measures to control them
• Removing risks where possible, or implementing control measures, such as selecting appropriate work equipment to ensure safe performance
• Providing instruction, training, and supervision
• Reviewing and updating risk assessments periodically, especially after significant changes like new staff, processes, or equipment
• Consulting with other employers if the lone worker is at their workplace to identify risks and necessary control measures

Risk assessments should help determine the appropriate level of supervision for lone workers. Some high-risk activities may require at least one other person to be present, such as:

• Working in confined spaces, where a supervisor and a dedicated rescue person may be needed
• Working near exposed live electricity conductors
• Engaging in diving operations, handling vehicles carrying explosives, or fumigation tasks

Addressing Work-related Violence

Any form of violence against workers is unacceptable and can affect both their psychological and physical health. While lone working does not automatically imply a higher risk of violence, it does make workers more vulnerable. The lack of nearby support from colleagues means lone workers may be less able to prevent incidents.

Key Violence Risks in the Workplace

Some key violence risks in the workplace include:

• Working in high-risk violence locations.
• Late evening or early morning shifts with fewer workers around.
• Roles with authority over customers or clients, such as security staff.
• Clients or public members under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Carrying money or valuable equipment.

Training and Safety Measures

Personal safety training, including conflict resolution, can help workers recognize risky situations and take appropriate steps to avoid or manage risks. Other measures to consider include:

• Modifying the work environment to avoid worker isolation.
• Providing equipment like alarm devices that can be operated manually or automatically in emergencies, such as phones or radios.

Employers should support workers who experience abusive or violent incidents. Workers also play a crucial role in identifying and reporting incidents.

Impact of Violence on Businesses and Workers

Violence against lone workers can affect businesses through staff turnover, low productivity, and damage to reputation. For the worker, it can lead to work-related stress, with serious and long-term effects on their psychological, physical, and mental health.

For more advice and case studies on preventing violence towards lone workers, visit: HSE - Work-related Violence - (https://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/)

Supporting Non-Native English Speakers

If a lone worker's first language is not English, ensure clear communication arrangements, especially for emergencies. Workers from outside the UK may face unfamiliar risks and different workplace cultures. Ensure they receive and understand the necessary information, instructions, and training to work safely.

For more information, visit: HSE - Migrant Workers https://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/about.htm

Working Alone with a Medical Condition

Seek medical advice if necessary. Consider both routine work and potential emergencies that may add physical or mental strain.

Handling Illness, Accidents, or Emergencies

Your risk assessment should identify potential events. Establish and practice emergency procedures regularly to ensure quick and effective action. Some lone workers may need to carry first aid equipment and receive first aid training, including self-administration. Ensure access to adequate first aid facilities.

Regular and realistic practice should take place to allow quick and effective action to ease the situation and reduce the consequences.

Emergency Procedures and Contact, Guidance

Emergency procedures should include clear guidance on how and when lone workers can contact their employer.

For more information on first aid, visit: HSE - First Aid - https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/firstaid

Working from Home

Employers have the same responsibility for the safety and health of employees working from home as for any other employees. This includes providing supervision, education, training, and implementing control measures to protect home workers. Employers must accept liability for accidents or injuries involving home workers.

Importance of Training

Training is crucial, especially with limited supervision. It helps workers manage uncertain situations, cope with unexpected circumstances, and handle potential exposure to violence and aggression. Lone workers often cannot seek help from more experienced colleagues, so extra training may be necessary. They need to be experienced and fully understand the risks and precautions involved in their work and location. Training should be relevant to the work activity.

Set clear limits on what can and cannot be done while working alone. Ensure workers are:

• Competent to handle job requirements.
• Trained in using any technical solutions provided.
• Able to recognize when to seek advice from elsewhere.