Lone Worker Policy for Practice Contracts Ltd

1. Purpose
The purpose of this Lone Worker Policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of employees who work alone or remotely, either in the office, on-site, or at client locations. Practice Contracts Ltd is committed to minimising risks associated with lone working and providing appropriate support for those working alone.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees of Practice Contracts Ltd who are required to work alone, whether during office hours or outside of normal working hours. This includes employees working on client sites, in the field, or remotely.

3. Definition of Lone Worker
A lone worker is someone who works in isolation, without close or direct supervision. This may include employees who:

  • Work at client sites alone.

  • Work from home or remote locations.

  • Work in the office outside of regular working hours.

  • Are the only person on duty at a worksite or location.

4. Risk Assessment
Before employees work alone, a risk assessment will be carried out to identify any potential hazards and determine the appropriate control measures. This will include considerations such as:

  • The nature of the work being carried out.

  • Location and accessibility of the worksite.

  • Emergency procedures and risks.

  • Access to communication tools and support.

5. Safety Measures and Controls
To ensure the safety of lone workers, Practice Contracts Ltd will:

  • Communication: Ensure that employees working alone have access to a reliable means of communication (e.g., mobile phone, two-way radio).

  • Regular Check-ins: Establish a procedure for regular check-ins with lone workers to ensure their safety (e.g., via phone or messaging).

  • Emergency Contacts: Lone workers must have access to emergency contacts and know how to seek help if needed. Emergency contact details should be kept up to date.

  • Training: Provide training on working alone, including safety protocols, emergency procedures, and how to recognise potential risks.

  • PPE and Equipment: Ensure that lone workers are provided with any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools to carry out their work safely.

6. Emergency Procedures
Lone workers must follow established emergency procedures if an incident or emergency occurs. This includes:

  • First Aid: Lone workers should be trained in basic first aid and have access to first aid kits.

  • Emergency Contact Procedure: Lone workers should have a designated person to contact in case of emergency. A check-in procedure should be in place, especially for workers in high-risk environments.

  • Evacuation and Assistance: Employees should know how to evacuate safely or get assistance in the event of an emergency, particularly if working in isolated or high-risk areas.

7. Supervisory Support
Although lone workers may not have direct supervision, they should be supported by regular check-ins and communication from their manager or supervisor. If a lone worker is working on a high-risk task, additional support should be arranged as needed.

8. Responsibilities of Employees
Lone workers are responsible for:

  • Following all safety guidelines and procedures.

  • Ensuring they have the necessary equipment, including a fully charged mobile phone or other communication device.

  • Reporting any safety concerns or incidents immediately to their manager or supervisor.

  • Notifying the company if they are unable to complete the work or require additional support.

  • Adhering to the check-in procedure and ensuring that they are reachable during working hours.

9. Review and Monitoring
Practice Contracts Ltd will regularly review the Lone Worker Policy and risk assessments to ensure they remain effective and up to date. Feedback from lone workers will be considered as part of this process to improve safety practices.

10. Conclusion
The safety of lone workers is a priority for Practice Contracts Ltd. We are committed to providing a safe working environment and taking all reasonable steps to mitigate risks associated with working alone. All employees must be aware of the procedures in place and their responsibilities to help ensure their own safety and the safety of others.

Signed:

Brian Doran
Managing Director
Practice Contracts Ltd
Nov 2024