Establishing safe working for lone workers is no different from organising the safety of other employees. Employers need to know the law and standards wich apply to their work activities and then assess whether the requirements can be met by people working alone.

Lone workers face particular problems. Some of the issues which need special attention when planning safe working arrangements are as follows:

Can the risks of the job be adequately controlled by one person?

Lone workers should not be at more risk than other employees. This may require extra risk control measures. Precautions should take account of normal work and forseeable emergencies, eg fire, equipment failure, illness and accidents. Employers should identify situations where people work alone and ask questions such as:

• Does the workplace present a special risk to the lone worker?
• Is there a safe way in and a way out for one person? Can any temporary access equipment which is necessary, such as portable ladders or trestles, be safely handled by one person?
• Can all the plant, substances and goods involved in the work be handled safely by one person? Consider whether the work involves lifting objects too large for one person or whether more then one person is needed to operate essential controls for the safe running of equipment.
• Is there a risk of violence?
• Are women especially at risk if they work alone?
• Are young workers especially at risk if they work alone?
• Is the person medically fit and suitable to work alone?

If any of the above applies to yourself you need to contact your line manager so that an adequate Risk Assessment is carried out.

If you can not obtain a Risk Assesment then contact Graham Evans the Branch Health And Safety Officer on 01443 400401

For more info on local Health and Safty issues, contact RCT Branch office:

UNISON office
31 - 33 Morgan Street
Park View
Pontypridd
CF37 2DS

Tel: 01443 400401
Fax: 01443 400288
e-mail rctunison@btconnect.com