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Working Alone Risk Assessment Example
Lone working arrangements are an increasingly prevalent trend across many work environments and situations. Each time an employee moves between jobs or location changes, new risk assessments and procedures must be implemented accordingly.

This article will walk you through how to conduct a working alone risk analysis. We'll discuss hazard identification, check-in procedures and emergency procedures.
Safety Training

Lone workers must receive proper training on the unique risks associated with their job. These could include working in confined spaces, working with chemicals or operating complex equipment with complicated safety mechanisms that must be operated correctly. A risk analysis must identify all areas of potential danger as well as create a clear plan of action in each instance.

If an assessment indicates a high risk of violent incidents in a confined space, additional security measures should be put into effect immediately - this may include hiring security guards or installing panic buttons; in other instances, training could focus on using safety equipment like breathing apparatuses and harnesses properly.

Employers must provide employees who work alone with a safe working environment. When it comes to confined spaces, this includes making sure all entrances and exits remain clear at all times so employees can escape quickly in an emergency situation. A thorough risk assessment must include procedures for monitoring employee wellbeing as well as setting appropriate check-in intervals.

As changes may affect an employee's safety, it is vital that your working alone policy stays up-to-date in response to them. For instance, if risk assessments reveal increased exposure due to changes in location or equipment requiring increased risks - this must be reflected in the policy document.

OSHA requires companies in the US to record work-related injuries and illnesses. Lone workers should be made aware of this regulation so that they can take preventive steps - like keeping first aid kits in their cars or insisting their employer provide them with personal locator beacons - against serious incidents at their workplaces.

In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides specific regulations for protecting lone workers. These are contained within Working Alone (Risk Assessment and Control) Regulations and require businesses conducting full risk analyses where individuals are expected to work alone; an online lone working risk assessment template can help businesses comply with HSE guidelines.
Check-In Procedures

Safety & Risk Services have developed a Working Alone or in Isolation Procedure Template which can be used to meet this need quickly in an emergency. A check-in procedure should be established by any supervisor before any lone worker begins work and should include regular time interval checks as well as measures in case the worker cannot be reached quickly.

Procedures should be regularly evaluated and amended as the workplace changes or new hazards are identified. When reviewing, compare actual risks against controls currently implemented; if risks exceed what can be managed with existing measures, additional controls must be put in place immediately.

Once checks are in place, both workers and their check-in designates should receive proper training on the procedures for conducting checks. Furthermore, this should also be documented so it can be easily accessed in an emergency situation.

As soon as they begin their work alone session, workers should make every attempt to call their check-in designate to alert them and notify Campus Security immediately if this cannot happen.

Check-ins must take place every 30-60 minutes depending on the risk level, with additional checks as necessary if more than this period passes without one taking place. In cases where more time passes without being checked-in on, supervisors should escalate according to workplace policy and employee risk assessments.

Workers working in confined areas should wear suitable clothing and equipment so they can be quickly reached. For instance, in lab settings where chemicals could potentially splash onto them it's essential for workers to wear protective gloves and eyewear prior to commencing work.

When working in areas where many people pass by frequently, workers should remain mindful of their visibility and only take up working alone when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, it would be advisable for workers in such settings to consider if the work they're performing could be considered high risk and consult their supervisor/line manager on how it can be safely managed.
Emergency Procedures

Lone workers must be mindful of any unique hazards present in their working environment or situation, such as livestock or chemical accidents or dealing with disgruntled members of the public. Furthermore, it's crucial that any work requiring lifting or moving heavy items involves conducting an effective risk evaluation and creating appropriate procedures and assessments to mitigate those hazards.

An emergency procedure must be established so that members of staff can contact someone immediately in an emergency, such as setting up a mobile phone alarm or employing a lone worker tracking solution that offers employee-enabled GPS monitoring, escalation and incident reporting. Lone workers must understand the procedures for calling emergency services as well as where any equipment or supplies they might require in an emergency such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits and eyewash stations may be located. Furthermore, it's advisable to designate one primary contact person who understands all parameters of check-in procedure and what happens in case of emergencies.

Certain employees are at increased risk when working alone, including employees with medical or health conditions and young or new staff. Their line managers should inform them about these procedures and any additional precautions necessary, such as advising them not to work in enclosed spaces where the temperature could fall below freezing.

Alongside developing an emergency response procedure, lone working risk assessments must also be regularly revised as circumstances evolve. For instance, when new equipment increases risk levels significantly, their assessment should be modified accordingly.

Communicate the results of the assessment to any lone workers affected by it; in doing so, they can become aware of any necessary measures they should take and be given greater confidence that they can complete their duties safely.
Record-Keeping

At the conclusion of your working alone risk assessment, document any significant hazards identified. man down lone worker alarms This documentation can help to shape and fine-tune safety policies and procedures more precisely as well as providing evidence that your system of controls are functioning effectively should an incident arise. Ideally, safety training should be included as part of new employee induction processes as well as scheduled refresher courses to keep existing staff up-to-date on current protocols.


Legally, any employee working alone for extended periods must complete a working alone risk analysis. This applies to receptionists, cleaners, construction workers, taxi drivers, social service workers and many other occupations.

Risk assessments should be completed by those working alone and should include details on what work will be performed, the length of their shift and any relevant information such as monitoring their progress and communicating with colleagues. It's also crucial that they consider any potential threats associated with their work such as violence and equipment that poses particular danger.

Lone workers must also consider their own health and well-being. Spending long periods alone can have adverse effects on mental health and may increase susceptibility to attacks of asthma and heart conditions, making it crucial that any medical issues are discussed with both their line manager and GP if necessary.

Legal requirements dictate the recording of serious workplace injuries or illnesses; but for individuals working alone it becomes even more vital to do so. We advise recording incidents as written reports with details on who made them and when. It would also be beneficial to record any follow-up actions taken as a result of these incidents, such as training or controls implemented afterward.

At least annually, it is advisable to review records. A full audit should also be performed on your risk analysis and updated as necessary. Furthermore, your lone working policy must be easily visible to all staff - even those who do not work alone regularly - through employee handbooks and intranet inclusion and regular meetings to discuss any changes or discuss concerns raised about lone workers.

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