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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Lone Working Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline {{org_field_name}}’s approach to managing and supporting lone workers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and compliance with relevant legislation. Lone working carries additional risks, and this policy provides guidance on assessing risks, implementing control measures, and supporting staff who work alone.

This policy aligns with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that all lone workers are protected in accordance with legal and best-practice requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, and contractors working for {{org_field_name}} who may be required to work alone or in isolated settings. This includes but is not limited to:

• Healthcare staff attending clients in their homes
• Staff working in care homes or healthcare facilities outside standard operating hours
• Employees conducting visits to remote locations
• Staff working in offices or administrative roles alone

3. Definition of Lone Working

Lone working is defined as any work activity that is undertaken without direct or close supervision, meaning that employees may be at an increased risk due to limited support, communication, or assistance in an emergency.

Examples of lone working include:

• Visiting service users in their homes
• Providing care in isolated areas of healthcare settings
• Working alone in an office or facility
• Travelling alone to appointments or meetings

4. Responsibilities

• Senior Management: Ensures compliance with legal requirements, provides necessary resources, and reviews policy effectiveness.
• Line Managers: Conduct risk assessments, provide necessary training, and implement control measures.
• Employees & Agency Workers: Follow procedures, report concerns, and take responsibility for their own safety.
• Health & Safety Officers: Provide oversight, review risk assessments, and monitor compliance.

5. Risk Assessment & Control Measures

Lone working risk assessments must be conducted before assigning lone work to employees. The assessment should consider:

• The nature of the task
• The environment and location
• The health and capability of the lone worker
• The potential for violence or aggression from clients or the public
• Communication and emergency response arrangements

Control measures include:

• Pre-visit Risk Assessments: Assessing the potential hazards of a service user’s home or location before attending.
• Buddy System: Ensuring that lone workers have a designated colleague who is aware of their schedule and can check on them.
• Lone Worker Devices & Panic Alarms: Providing GPS-enabled devices or panic alarms for high-risk lone workers.
• Regular Check-ins: Implementing scheduled phone or messaging check-ins with managers or colleagues.
• Training & Awareness: Equipping employees with conflict resolution, de-escalation, and emergency response training.

6. Safe Working Practices

• Pre-Work Planning:
  • Inform a designated contact of working locations and expected return times.
  • Ensure mobile phones or communication devices are fully charged and functional.
• Home Visits & Remote Work:
  • Verify the service user’s background and any potential risks.
  • Carry an ID badge and avoid carrying excessive valuables.
  • Park vehicles in well-lit, safe locations with easy exit routes.
• Travelling Alone:
  • Use safe and known transport routes.
  • Avoid sharing personal travel details with service users.
• Responding to Emergencies:
  • If in danger, leave the area immediately and seek help.
  • Use lone worker alarms or emergency contact numbers.
  • Report incidents promptly following the incident reporting procedure.

7. Reporting & Incident Management

• Employees must report any lone working concerns or near-miss incidents to their line manager.
• All incidents should be logged in the Incident Report Register and reviewed to improve safety measures.
• Violent or aggressive encounters must be escalated to management and, where necessary, law enforcement.

8. Support & Well-being of Lone Workers

• Employees undertaking lone work will have access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for mental health and well-being support.
• Regular team meetings and supervision sessions will be arranged to ensure lone workers remain connected and supported.
• Reasonable adjustments will be made where necessary for lone workers with disabilities or health conditions.

9. Non-Compliance & Disciplinary Action

Failure to adhere to the lone working policy may result in disciplinary action. Employees are expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and cooperate with safety measures implemented by the organisation.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Safeguarding Policy

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, operational requirements, or risk assessments.

For further information or to discuss lone working concerns, please contact: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}
Phone: {{org_field_registered_manager_phone}}

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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.