Lone Worker Health And Safety Information

A lone worker is a worker who works alone without direct or close supervision. This puts such individuals at a greater risk of accident or even violence. By law, there are a number of health and safety issues that should be taken into consideration when an individual is permitted to work alone. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that such regulations are put in place. Any employer must ensure the health and safety of all employees including any individuals who come into contact with their working environment such as freelancers or contractors. Separate risk assessments should be carried out on lone workers.

Lone Worker Occupations

There are a number of situations in which an individual may work alone.

For example, those who work in a

* fixed establishment;
* premises like shop, kiosk or petrol station
* home environment
* factory or warehouse
* leisure centre
* fairground

There are also a number of occupations in which an individual may work alone. These include:

* construction;
* plant installation
* cleaning
* electrical repairs
* painting and decorating
* agricultural and forestry work
* service employment, for example, postal staff, drivers, engineers, district nurses and estate agents.

Lone Worker Training And Risk Assessment

There is no specific regulation regarding the lone worker. Nevertheless, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are applicable. These state that any work hazards should be identified, risks involved should be assessed and appropriate measures should be put in place to either control or eliminate these risks. Such measures include providing raining, protective equipment and supervision.

The Lone Worker Risk Assessment is an indicator of what regulations and supervision are required. For example, in certain situations at least one other employee might be required. If this is the case, then it is imperative that some form of back up is available should it be needed. An assessment is vital because a lone worker should not be at more risk than any other employee. This might mean that more control measures are required and further precautions need to be taken into account in case of an emergency.

Protection Equipment For Lone Workers

Apart from back up being close at hand, there are a number of ways in which a lone worker can be protected. Lone worker tracking systems are available as tags, walkie talkies, identity badges and mobile phones. They are particularly useful for individuals who need to conduct home visits, for example utility or health workers. Similarly, GPS tracking devices can be used in vehicles for drivers.

It is vital that lone workers have enough protection in order to carry out their job safely and effectively. It is the employer's duty to make sure that these control measures are adhered to and reviewed regularly.