When is Lone Working Not Ok?
Certain high-risk situations are not appropriate for lone workers to complete. For example, the transportation of explosives is never assigned to just one person because it is too dangerous. If an employee feels unsafe completing a task by themselves, they cannot be punished for not doing their job.
Supervising Lone Workers
HSE guidance states that employers should ensure that they maintain regular contact with lone working employees and have a way to call for help in an uncomfortable or emergency situation.
The amount of supervision required will be determined by the level of risk and the ability of the lone worker to identify and handle health and safety issues.
You can supervise employees through:
Periodic site visits
Check-in texts
Scheduled phone calls
Regular team meetings (daily or weekly)
Lone working solutions, either in the form of lone working safety devices or a lone worker app can ensure that these requirements are met by providing lone workers with a means to contact their employer, check in safely and raise the alarm in an emergency.
