Partner Article

What are lone workers?

Can a person be left alone at their workplace?

There are no absolute restrictions on working alone; it will depend on the results of a risk assessment.

There are two main pieces of legislation which are applicable;

• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974: Section 2 sets out a duty of care on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees, whilst they are at work.

When a risk assessment shows that it is not possible for the work to be done safely by a lone worker, arrangements for providing help or back-up should be put in place. Where a lone worker is working at another employers’ place of work, that employer should inform the lone worker’s employer of any risks and the control measures that should be taken.

Duties of the employer

• Carry out a risk assessment of the work before the employee starts work.
• Ensure that risk assessments are reviewed regularly. At least once a year.
• Ensure that the employee is provided with safe and adequate equipment and trained in its use.
• Ensure the premises are safe and make sure that the employee is made aware of any potential hazards.
• Ensure that the employee is aware of any legal restrictions, for example; laws relating to control of hazardous substances.

Duties of the employee

In accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the employee has a duty to take care of his or her own health and safety. When working alone it is paramount that the employee :-

• Obeys all instructions of the employer that have been given before the work starts.
• Takes note of any risks that have been identified in the risk assessment.
• Wears any personal protective equipment that has been supplied.
• Notifies the employer, immediately of any issues relating to health and safety that occur.

Communication equipment

• Whenever possible a lone worker should have a mobile ’phone. If this is not possible, due to hazards or poor reception, then the employee should make sure that he or she is aware of the nearest landline telephone or other means of communication.
• If the employee is not fluent in English, the employer is responsible for ensuring adequate communication systems are in place.

Supervision

• It is essential that the lone worker has a named person as supervisor.

Accidents & Emergencies

• If the employee is involved in an accident, or a member of the public, customer or other individual is injured whilst on the premises, the employee should contact the employer as soon as is practicable.
• A First Aid Kit must be available to the employee, and all accidents recorded in the Accident Book.
• The employer and the employee should agree a procedure to be followed in an emergency.

Lone working is NOT where individuals experience brief situations in which they find themselves alone.

No young person (defined as someone aged under 18 years) may work alone.

If you require a comprehensive Lone Worker Policy, then please contact me from my profile and I’ll provide you with a free download.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Andrew Dane .