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Lone WorkingLone Working

Toolbox Talk

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Lone WorkingLone Working

HSE definition:: “Those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision”

People in fixed establishments Only one person works on the premises

(eg shops, fuel stations, home-workers) People who work separately from others

(eg anyone in a one-person office or workshop, home-workers etc) People who work outside normal hours, inc the first person to

arrive & the last one to leave each day(also cleaners, security, maintenance staff etc)

Mobile workers Construction, maintenance and cleaning workers

(eg builders, painters, electricians, window cleaners etc) Agricultural and forestry workers Service workers (eg postmen, social workers, estate agents, service

techs, salespeople, also car, taxi, van, lorry & train drivers)

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Lone workingLone working

If other people are present(eg clients, customers, public):

Major risk may be assault(e.g. robbery, mugging, sexual, deranged)

Other risks include interference, obstruction, tasks which require 2 people

If no-one else is within aural or visual range, risks include:

Tasks which require 2 people

Action in an emergency:To oneself (first-aid, rescue etc)To the workplace or equipment (fire, spillage, security etc)

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Lone WorkingLone Working

Lone working is not in itself unlawful, it is unsafe only if:  an unsafe situation is allowed to arise. 

the person does an unsafe act.

Lone working can have a positive effect:  greater concentration from less chatter or background noise. 

less / no interruptions from colleagues, visitors, telephone etc if out of office hours.

fewer distractions.

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Safety while working aloneSafety while working alone Check that there is nothing unsafe nor unsuitable about:

The person (their physical, mental, medical & emotional condition)

The location and environment

The tools, equipment and materials

The tasks

Plan the activity to ensure that every part of it is safe and suitable to do on your own. 

Consider normal work and foreseeable problems / emergenciesA few high-risk activities have specific regulations which require 2 people (eg

diving, some confined spaces etc)

This also applies in your private life at home or elsewhere, whether doing everyday tasks or DIY etc.

Many adults live on their own or do lone leisure activities(eg fishing, running, surfing, swimming, wind-surfing etc)

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Safety while working aloneSafety while working alone

Consider action in an emergency Who to contact and how

a person elsewhere in the building (eg security guard?).a person elsewhere on the site.a person elsewhere (eg family). the emergency services.

If you are likely to be alone for a significant time: tell someone where you are and what you are doing.

arrange to call them at an agreed time.

arrange that if you don't phone them by an agreed time, they will phone you (give them your contact number!).

you should tell them what action to take if they don't get an answer.

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P.A.U.S.E.P.A.U.S.E.

P.A.U.S.E.for thought

PPlan each task

AAnalyse what might happen

UUnexpected - be prepared

SSlipping, tripping & sprains

EEntanglement

P.A.U.S.E. for thought ... think safety

A millisecond makes all the differenceA millisecond makes all the difference

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To concludeTo conclude

Please think about what you have seen in this presentation.

Injuries hurt. Pain isn’t pleasant.

Safety = 100% concentration

100% of the time

You have choices about your life.