We are currently about to introduce ( 6 weeks from now) a work program whereby certain trades will on site as part of the maintenance crew, not all trades will be at the same time for instance there may only be the requirement for 1 electrician to be on site for night shift 20.00 p.m to 06.00 a.m as an example. We are developing risk assessments associated with lone working and researching HSE INDG73(rev2) to step by step counter the inherent risks of lone working We will have an issue with personnel lone working, as the personnel on site will be miniscule, (we do have an outsourced security service in place, mobile patrol random checks). We are currently looking to develop a lone working policy / instruction for personnel. Can someone provide examples of what they have implemented at their work places and possibly the success and failures associated with the implementation of lone working procedures? I do not want to re-invent the wheel here, I just want safe lone work system for our personnel here, so when we leave the job at finish time I am content that personnel working shift / lone working can contact us in case of any emergency they are presented with. Thank you. Kind regards Paul

We utilise a 'Lone Working Monitoring Service' which does a lot to help us with our lone working policy.

Paul, a similiar situation was looming where I work, as work practices were being reviewed and teams were being reduced. We were anxious to avoid the situation where health and safety was used as an excuse not to implement the new practices, but at the same time needed to carry out a proper risk assessment. We set up a working group that included personnel from different areas and developed a policy and risk assessment template. The policy included a definition of lone working, (which didn't necessarily mean working in a room on your own). Our risk assessment looks at the task, communication, the environment and the person involved. A year later I am happy to say that we have used the template successfully in a number of areas and contexts and found it very useful. Because it was developed by a working group, its use has always been accepted and the results have never been contentious. I will send you a copy by pm, I hope it is useful.

Your advice on a working consultation on the Lone working issue with personnel will be provided. I agree with you fully, that the people / personnel we have working, must be involved in all steps and there contributions can show other risk areas, to which there expertise, can and does enhance, co-operation and communication, for the Lone working policy / R.A Thank you for your assistance on this matter All the best Paul