What are the rules on lone working?

There are no specific laws governing lone working; in short, lone working is not against the law. However, the considerations for planning a safe and healthy working environment for lone and remote workers are often quite different than for other staff.

What are the responsibilities of a lone worker?

Nonetheless, lone workers themselves have a responsibility to help their employer fulfil this duty, and so they must: Take reasonable care to look after their own safety and health. Safeguard the safety and health of other people affected by their work. Co-operate with their employer’s safety and health procedures.

Do support workers work alone?

However, there are many times when other adult social care workers might work alone. For example, in a residential care setting a support worker could be working alone in a separate part of the building to the rest of their team or manager.

What does the lone working policy cover?

A lone worker policy as an official written document that covers the risks faced by lone working staff and the responsibilities of both the employer and employee in ensuring that lone workers can work safely.

How to establish an effective lone working buddy system?

Have all of the required contact details for the lone worker, including phone number, email address, home address, and information about their next of kin. If the lone worker has a vehicle, have details of the vehicle’s make, model and registration number. Be clear on all of the lone worker’s projected movements during each shift.

How do I call my lone working Buddy?

If this is the case, the lone worker should locate a nearby phone box and call their buddy from there, stating the phone box’s number and location. If the lone worker is relying on landline phones in someone else’s building, then ensure that the switchboard remains open if the building is unoccupied.

What do you need to know about a buddy system?

A buddy provides moral support during the first few crucial weeks by introducing the new employee to staff members and showing them around their new workplace. He or she should have a good work performance history and be someone whom other employees like and respect.

Why are buddy systems bad for the workplace?

To make matters worse, buddy systems can increase complacency of workers in the field due to a false sense of greater safety. When the alarm goes up inside a facility, operations stop and every available hand is often pulled from the floor to help find the injured or distressed employee.

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