Lone working is an act of working by oneself without close or direct supervision. Anyone who works alone, including self-employed people, contractors and employees is classified as a lone worker. it's believed that there is an estimated 6.8 million people working alone in the UK. Globally, this figure is much higher and it is expected to rise as the continued change in working habit forces more remote working.

Lone workers include but not limited to; 

* Those who work in fixed establishments where only one person works on the premises e.g in small workshops, kiosks, petrol stations, shops and at home. 

* People who work outside normal hours e.g cleaners, security, special production, maintenance/repair, agriculture/forestry.

* Professionals such as district nurses, engineers, architects, estate agents, postal staff, sales representatives, amongst others. 

However, it is a misconstruction to think the term 'Lone workers' are only for people who work completely alone. Lone working refers to a broad spectrum of people including anyone who works remotely or feels vulnerable in his work, many of whom who probably don't even know they're lone workers.

IS LONE WORKING LEGAL. 

The answer to this question is YES. 

There is nothing specific in general legislation that prohibits a person from working alone. Certain laws and orders on safety, health and welfare at work require the employer to undertake a risk assessment and so this shall determine whether or not n employee may work alone. Hence, employers must be aware any specific legislation on line working, which may be applicable to their specific industry e.g vehicle carrying explosives and supervision in diving operations. This would certainly put into consideration the risks involved in carrying out some task. 

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY HAZARDS A LONE WORKER MAY BE EXPOSED TO? 

The hazards include but not limited to the following; 

* Accidents or emergencies arising out of work, including inadequate provision of first aid.

* Sudden illness.

* Physical violence from the member of public.

* inadequate provision of rest, hygiene and welfare facilities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LONE WORKER

Although the employer holds the main responsibility for protecting the safety and health of a lone worker, he also has to observe the following precautions for his own welfare;

* Take reasonable care to look after his own safety.

* Report all accidents, injuries and other dangerous occurrences.

* Not misuse equipment provided for his safety and health.

*  Safeguard the safety and health of other people affected by his work.

* Use tools and other equipments properly.

* Cooperate with his employer's safety and health procedures. 

HOW TO MANAGE THE RISKS OF A LONE WORKER

Here are some of the ways to manage the risks lone workers are exposed to; 

* Lone workers must be well-trained.

* They must be supervised.

* They must be monitored.

* We must always keep in touch with them.

* We must be prompt in responding to emergencies and incidents involving them. 

Ref: 

- Health and Safety Authority

- Lone Alert

Ben

Jimacare