Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to highlight that extra care is due to people in a situation in which they can be perceived as 'alone' i.e. without other people in the vicinity who can become aware of their predicament and who can call for or provide aid or support in the event of an incident.
General principle
The University recognises that people working alone can be at extra risk. Lone working may introduce new risks. The potential consequences of certain activities or environments may become more significant for people working alone.
The University requires that the risks associated with working alone are assessed and that appropriate risk control systems and precautionary measures are implemented to eliminate or minimise significant risks.
Standard
Anyone requiring people to work alone must assess the risk and implement appropriate control measures before the individual is required to work under these circumstances.
Anyone wishing to work on their own must consider the risks involved, take due care of their own health and safety, and must not undertake activities that put them at significant risk.
Responsibilities
Corporate managers ensure that this policy is implemented in their area.
Heads of department ensure that these standards, systems, and appropriate risk control systems and precautionary measures are in place and are implemented effectively.
Risk assessment
The assessment of the risks to which a lone worker may be exposed must take account of:
1. Normal and foreseeable scenarios
2. The individual's ability to carry out their activities safely on their own in their environment.
3. The potential for the individual to be subject to violence: see 'Personal Safety' policy.
4. Existing precautionary measures and emergency arrangements.
5. The individual's ability to call for and obtain timely aid or to withdraw safely from a dangerous situation.
Note that there are likely to be topic-specific policies, guidance, or procedures that should be referred to for hazardous activities or activities that involve working with hazardous substances, hazardous equipment, or in hazardous environments.
Appropriate control measures
Where there is a non-trivial, foreseeable risk to the lone worker, then the manager must take reasonable steps to protect the lone worker by identifying by risk assessment and putting in place appropriate precautionary measures and contingency plans before the individual is required to work under these circumstances. It may be appropriate to define prohibited activities or areas in the arrangements.
The contingency plans must include the means by which the lone worker is able to summon and obtain assistance in time to avoid injury.
The lone worker must have these arrangements explained to them and should be given a copy of the arrangements.
Risk control systems
The manager must check that the arrangements, contingency plans, and training are in place and are effective. In particular, they will confirm that there will be a satisfactory response in the event that there is an attempt to summon assistance.