The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Guidance INDG73 risks of lone working has been updated.
The revision includes a new section on how lone workers can be protected from the dangers of work-related violence.
It says that there needs to be training in personal safety. This could include conflict resolution.
This can help employees to see conditions where they may be a risk and to take suitable steps to keep away from or manage the risk.
Additional measures to think of are amendment or layout of the work environment, if appropriate, to avoid people being isolated and supplying work equipment such as devices designed to raise the alarm in an emergency which can be operated manually or automatically, for instance, phones or two-way radios.
There is also extra information on how managers have to maintain communications with lone workers to include:
- Management/Supervisors to visit site and watch how employees work alone.
- Regular communication between the employee and a Manager/Supervisor. This can be achieved using telephones, two-way radios, email, etc. Take into consideration the employee’s understanding of English.
- Ensuring the employee has returned to their home or working base.
- Monitor and advise on the stress, mental health and wellbeing of employees.
Employers should ensure that the lone working procedures in place work and are practical and ensure lone workers are reachable and contactable if an emergency or problem is identified.
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