Page 3 of 9 5. LONE WORKING 5.1 Where line managers identify lone worker issues then they must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, their safety. Consideration should be given to the fact that, despite the title, 2 or 3 employees working together may be susceptible to the same risks. The full risk assessment process, as detailed in the Safety Risk Assessment Policy, should be followed. 5.2 Risk assessment considerations for lone workers include: The remoteness or isolation of the workplace. The timings of the task/activity i.e. outside normal working hours. The duration of the task(s). Equipment, machinery and tools (including those being used, worked on, and/or moved). The presence of any hazardous substances. Communication facilities, procedures and problems. The potential for violence and/or criminal activity. The nature of any possible injuries. Whether personal health and fitness is an issue. Access and egress. Emergency procedures (including evacuation routes out of normal working hours). Assessing if it is a “one person job” (taking into account all of the above, and any other relevant factors, assessing whether one person can safely undertake the activity). 5.3 Control measure considerations for lone workers include: Can the requirement for lone working be eliminated (increasing staffing, etc.). Authorisation systems for lone working/out of hours working (including monitoring and permit to work procedures, etc.). Pre-inspection of work places to ensure emergency provisions are in place (escape routes, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, etc.). Communications procedures including booking in and out, call-back systems, alarm facilities, arrangements for periodic checks, and any equipment requirements such as radios, personal alerters, mobile phones, etc. Medicals (where personal health and fitness is an issue). Safe systems of work (specific procedures and method statements). Information and training. 6. WORK-RELATED VIOLENCE 6.1 One risk associated with lone working is an increased susceptibility to work-related violence. However, many staff are potentially at risk from work-related violence such as receptionists, cleaning staff, etc. 6.2 Where potential work-related violence is identified then the risk assessment process as detailed in the Safety Risk Assessment Policy should be followed. 6.3 The primary aim of the work-related violence risk assessment is to identify if there is a problem (hazard identification). There are two main methods of doing this: Employee consultation.