Rank: Forum user 
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Morning all
A colleague has highlighted to me some concerns they have with regards to lone working for surveys.
At present our surveyors meet client representatives at a mutually convenient place to receive keys allowing entry to empty buildings to allow structural surveys to be undertaken, these colleague could be male of female.
Concerns have been raised regarding their safety for both entering empty buildings and for meeting unknown persons who are ware that they will be entering such buildings.
We have a lone working RA but it's a little loose regarding this aspect, how do others approach such subjects?
Also how do you/have you addressed any "un-easy feelings" people may get while undertaking such tasks and are these covered within your policies/RAMS?
Many thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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We have inspectors that visit clients on farms and garden centres etc. We are currently reviewing the lone working system that is relevant to them. We will be using a risk assessment to identify those at risk and then we will supply them a) with an alarm system based on a mobile phone and b) insist that they follow the lone working procedure ie they must report where they are going and when they are expected to be there. We will expect line managers to monitor them while they are out and about. c) finally they are empowered to back off if they feel uncomfortable or threatened. We have made it clear to them that their personal safety is paramount in this situation and if push comes to shove they should get out and reschedule the meeting( perhaps bringing a colleague along for the next meeting).
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Sutty, Lone worker safety is a special interest of mine, so much so that I've even written training courses on managing lone worker safety :0) Issues that you may wish to consider include: 1. Developing strong risk assessments for lone worker safety 2. Providing lone worker staff with appropriate training in topics such as personal safety awareness and situational awareness 3. Provision of appropriate emergency communications equipment (such as "man-down" alarms and personal trackers) but bearing in mind that these constitute PPE and so are last in the hierarchy of controls rather than the full solution 4. Effective "operational" management - do you have an accurate record of where staff are/ are meant to be and when they'll return? 5. An effective emergency response plan so staff know what to do if somebody "drops off the radar". Waiting for the emergency to start is not a good time for developing strategies! 6. Duress code procedures to be used by lone workers if they find themselves in a hostile situation The reference to "uneasy feelings" is another key issue. Staff should be encouraged to listen to these feelings, and it should be clear in your policies and instructions that if they feel uncertain about a situation they should leave rather than risk putting themselves in danger. Lone worker safety is a big - and very serious - topic, and if you feel I might be able to help further then please don't hesitate to drop me an email on info@indaxcon.org
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Rank: Super forum user 
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