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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of staff who may be required to work alone at {{org_field_name}}. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) guidance on lone working. It provides clear guidelines on how {{org_field_name}} effectively manages lone working and staff safety, ensuring all necessary measures are in place to minimise risks associated with working alone.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, and contractors who work alone or in isolated situations within {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

• Lone working risk assessments
• Staff training and supervision
• Emergency procedures and communication
• Safety measures to prevent harm to lone workers
• Responsibilities of management and staff

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Outlines the provider’s responsibility to ensure the safety of workers.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to protect employees from work-related risks, including lone working.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Imposes a duty to conduct risk assessments and implement control measures.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Safety Guidance – Sets expectations for care homes to ensure the safety of lone workers.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 – Mandates the reporting of work-related accidents and incidents.

4. Lone Working and Staff Safety Management

4.1. Lone Working Risk Assessments Lone working presents unique risks that must be carefully managed. At {{org_field_name}}, we ensure:

• A comprehensive lone working risk assessment is conducted for all relevant roles.
• Risk assessments are reviewed at least annually or sooner if working conditions change.
• Identification of high-risk activities that require additional safety controls.
• Control measures are implemented to mitigate risks, such as additional training or buddy systems.

4.2. Staff Training and Awareness Staff must be adequately trained to handle lone working situations safely. We achieve this by:

• Providing mandatory lone working training during induction and refresher courses annually.
• Training staff on recognising risks and implementing de-escalation techniques.
• Ensuring staff understand personal safety measures, including how to raise alarms.
• Conducting practical scenario-based training to simulate lone working risks and emergency responses.

4.3. Supervision and Communication Protocols To ensure staff safety while working alone, we implement robust supervision and communication measures, including:

• A check-in system where lone workers report their status to a designated colleague or manager at set intervals.
• The use of personal safety devices, such as panic alarms or lone worker apps, to enable quick assistance.
• A clear emergency contact procedure, ensuring lone workers know who to call in case of an incident.
• Regular managerial check-ins, including unannounced visits to lone working sites.

4.4. Personal Safety Measures We encourage staff to take proactive steps to maintain their own safety, including:

• Being aware of their surroundings and identifying potential hazards.
• Avoiding confrontation and using conflict resolution techniques when dealing with aggressive individuals.
• Carrying personal alarms or communication devices when working alone.
• Following a buddy system where possible, especially during high-risk tasks.

4.5. Safe Working Environment To reduce risks for lone workers, we ensure:

• Adequate lighting in all areas where lone working may occur.
• Secure entry and exit points to prevent unauthorised access.
• The availability of CCTV monitoring in key areas for additional security.
• Regular maintenance checks on workspaces to identify hazards and implement safety measures.

4.6. Emergency Procedures All staff must be aware of the procedures to follow in case of an emergency. We ensure:

• A 24-hour emergency contact system is in place for immediate assistance.
• Staff have access to an emergency response plan, including protocols for medical emergencies, security threats, and fire evacuations.
• Lone workers are trained on how to alert emergency services if required.
• All incidents involving lone workers are recorded, investigated, and reviewed to improve safety measures.

4.7. Incident Reporting and Learning from Events To improve safety for lone workers, we:

• Encourage a reporting culture, where staff feel comfortable reporting near misses and safety concerns.
• Maintain a Lone Working Incident Log to track trends and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct post-incident debriefings to assess what happened and how to prevent recurrence.
• Implement corrective actions when risks are identified.

4.8. Responsibilities of Management and Staff Effective lone working safety relies on the cooperation of both management and staff.

• Management responsibilities include:
  • Conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures.
  • Providing necessary training and resources for lone working safety.
  • Monitoring compliance and responding to safety concerns.
  • Ensuring staff feel supported and safe while working alone.
• Staff responsibilities include:
  • Following all lone working policies and procedures.
  • Reporting concerns, incidents, or near misses promptly.
  • Using personal safety devices and following communication protocols.
  • Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety while working alone.

5. Related Policies

• CHW16: Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CHW18: Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW19: Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
• CHW23: Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy
• CHW24: Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
• CHW29: Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy
• CHW34: Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes, CIW regulations, or operational needs dictate. Updates will be communicated to all relevant staff to ensure compliance and best practice within {{org_field_name}}.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.