HSE Lone Working Guidance

Mass Services Industry Updates HSE Guidance

The Health and Safety Executive has produced new guidance discussing working alone, aimed at anyone who employs lone workers.

It is now explicitly clear that it is the employer's duty to ensure that lone workers are properly assessed to consider all of the risks relevant to working alone.

The HSE also state that employees should be consulted as part of the assessment and trained on any areas identified during this process as a risk.

Suggested measures to overcome issues include:

Identifying jobs that are prohibited when lone working e.g. lifting
Prohibition on new employees working alone
Documented procedures for checks to be carried out on handover identifying any problems
Whether enhanced supervision is necessary through periodic spot-checks, CCTV, time records and regular phone communication to ensure systems compliance
Training on security measures
Training on what to do in an emergency and on fixing faults.

While lone working may seem beneficial for employers, they should give careful consideration before undertaking it, ensuring that necessary control, training and documentation measures are implemented to help prevent accidents and to assist in the defence of claims.

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To ensure that your property and estates are compliant, please telephone Mass Services today on 0118 977 8560 or email info@mass-services.com.