Lone Working Essentials

The following brief guide is for quick reference; however, full details are in Handcrafted's Lone Working policy. Please refer to the original policy for full guidance and you should speak to your line manager or the Safeguarding Coordinator (Dan Northover) when in doubt about what to do.

What is Lone Working?

Lone working refers to situations where you may be working by yourself, whether physically alone or in charge of a group, without immediate support from colleagues. This could include supervising a group, making home visits, or working from home.

Employer Responsibilities:

Handcrafted is legally required to protect the health and safety of lone workers. This includes providing adequate training, support, and equipment to ensure that you can do your job safely.

Your Responsibilities as a Lone Worker:

• Take Care: Prioritise your own safety and the safety of others affected by your work.
• Follow Procedures: Adhere to Handcrafted's health and safety procedures.
• Use Equipment Safely: Ensure you follow all safety instructions and training when using equipment.
• Report Incidents: Immediately report any accidents, injuries, near-misses, or dangerous occurrences.

Key Risks in Lone Working:

• People: Threats, intimidation, or violence from the public, trainees, or residents.
• Environment: Hazards in your working environment that could lead to injury.
• Tasks: Risks associated with physical work, such as moving loads or using machinery.

Guiding Principles for Lone Working:

1. Communication: Always have a charged and working mobile phone. Ensure your supervisor or colleagues know where you are and how long you expect to be working alone.
2. Report Changes: If you feel that a risk has increased, such as a trainee behaving differently, report it immediately.
3. Personal Judgment: If you feel uncomfortable with a situation, trust your instincts—don't proceed. Discuss any concerns with your supervisor or colleagues.
4. Risk Situations: Be extra cautious in situations such as being alone with a vulnerable adult or minor, or with individuals who have a history of violence or are unknown to Handcrafted. If in doubt, take someone with you or meet in a public space.

Special Considerations:

• Home Visits: Do not enter if the resident is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is threatening violence. Use agreed code words to alert colleagues if needed and stick to time limits for visits.
• Giving Lifts: Avoid giving lifts alone to high-risk individuals or anyone unknown to Handcrafted.
• Physical Work: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow manual handling procedures. Never move loads or operate machinery without proper training. Ensure you have access to a first aid kit.

Professional Boundaries:

Be mindful of maintaining professional boundaries. Conditioning, where individuals manipulate behaviours through reward and punishment, can compromise your professional role. Watch for warning signs such as being singled out, receiving inappropriate gifts, or excessive out-of-hours contact.

• Set Boundaries: Limit time spent, emotional disclosure, and access to you.
• Accountability: Keep your team informed, seek help from colleagues, and never keep secrets. Disclose any gifts or favours received and maintain Transparency.