What are the key risks to lone workers?
Who they are?
A lone worker is someone who carries out work-related activities in isolation from other workers and without close supervision. There are roughly three types. The first are known as fixed site lone workers, such as homeworkers who don’t deal with the public. Second are mobile lone workers whose role involves lots of travelling, e.g. delivery drivers. Third are public-facing lone workers, such as estate agents or health visitors.
Risks faced
All lone workers face a variety of potential hazards, the most obvious being the threat of violence. But, other than this, what else should a lone worker risk assessment (RA) focus on? According to the HSE, lone workers are at greater risk from manual handling injuries. Thus, your RA should review all lifting and handling tasks to ensure they can be performed safely by one person. If a task can’t be undertaken without unacceptable risk, look at introducing a system where extra help can be requested.
Hazardous substances
Some lone workers may well use hazardous substances, such as solvents or pesticides, as part of their job role. If so, ensure that working alone doesn’t place them at additional risk. This means reviewing your COSHH assessments (RAs that are required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ). For example, look at how easy it is for one person to lift containers; you also need to ensure that lone workers know how to deal with any spillages that may accidentally occur.
Employee health
Another area that must be considered is the employee’s general health and if there are any medical issues that could potentially affect their ability to work alone, e.g. diabetes or a pre-existing heart condition. If you have any doubts, seek the employee’s written permission for a medical referral.
Tip. Don’t overlook pregnant employees. You’re required to reassess an employee’s job once they notify you of their pregnancy. So if an employee is pregnant, consider if lone working (or any aspects of it) presents an unacceptable risk, e.g. such as working at height or in tight spaces.
Fire safety
A further area to assess is fire safety. Lone workers are more vulnerable here because there may not be anyone else in close proximity to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency.
Tip 1. Lone workers with vehicles should carry portable fire extinguishers (these must also be included on your inspection/testing schedule). With homeworkers, you’ll need to check that they have a working smoke alarm and can evacuate safely from their home office if need be.
Tip 2. Ensure that lone workers know how to use any personal protective equipment that’s allocated to them and the procedure for reporting any defects found. Follow our helpsheet and you won’t overlook anything (see The next step ).
For a lone working helpsheet, visit http://tipsandadvice-personnel.co.uk/download (PS.19.21.07).
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