Lone Working
Scope of this chapter
You can find more procedures and guidance in the Local Resources.
Any available local lone working policy and processes will set out the specific steps that you are required to take by the Local Authority:
- To ensure your own safety;
- To protect other Local Authority colleagues; and
- To respond to any risk that may occur.
You should always refer to it alongside this guidance. It can be found in the Local Resources.
It is your responsibility to take a proactive approach to risk assessment and your own personal safety. This involves:
- Identify any existing risk assessments or warnings on the system; and
- Anticipate any likely risks; and
- Explore ways to manage likely risk; and
- Decide the best way to manage the risk; before
- Carrying out the function, task or process to which you have been allocated.
In addition to the above Managers must complete a risk assessment for any situations where an employee works alone, this may be included in general task-based risk assessment or standalone if lone working is a significant risk factor to warrant its own assessment.
Risk assessment is name given to the combined processes of:
- Identifying risk;
- Identifying the likely impact of the risk (positive and negative); and
- Identifying how to reduce the negative impact and maximise the positive.
Every situation is different, but the table below sets out some examples of risk that may be present, and the strategies that may be available to manage that risk.
|
Risk |
Examples |
Strategy |
|
Environmental risk |
Cross-contamination Slips, trips and falls |
Keep footwear on at all times Politely decline refreshments offered Wash hands after visit Roll back rugs Use Personal Protective Equipment |
|
Risk from animals |
Bites, stings and scratches |
Arrange for the animal to be in another area of the home Arrange for someone to take the animal out during any visits Arrange for someone else to be present who can pacify the animal |
|
Risks from the person or others |
Verbal aggression Physical aggression Prevention from leaving |
Make sure people know where you are and how long you will be-arrange a follow up if time exceeds this Visit with a colleague Sit near to the exit End the meeting if aggression appears likely Make sure any personal alarms you have are functioning and you know how/when to use them If risk is from others, arrange to meet the person without that person present |
|
Risks from equipment |
Injury when using manual handling equipment |
Do not use faulty equipment Ensure adequate training Follow instructions and guidance Report maintenance concerns |
|
Risk of allegation against you |
Reports of abuse or exploitation |
Visit with a colleague Keep accurate records of visits and conversations Record and report any issues or concerns immediately |
You should always seek the support of your line manager when:
- The best way to manage risk is unclear; or
- The level of risk cannot be reduced.
Lone working risk should be recorded in line with local requirements and processes.
The following information should always be clear:
- The risks that have been identified;
- The plan to manage risk; and
- The rational for the decisions made.
Where there is an on-going risk to other practitioners you must take steps to ensure that an appropriate warning marker system is used to alert them to the risk.
The need for an on-going warning marker should be reviewed:
- Whenever a care and support, or other statutory function is being carried out; or
- There is evidence that level of risk has changed; or
- The risk management strategies are not effective; or
- The risk management strategies are no longer required.
Last Updated: November 8, 2022
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