APPENDIX 1: Use of Mobile Phones

Where provided, a mobile phone should always be kept as fully charged as possible at all times.

The employee should ensure that they know how to use the mobile phone properly through familiarising themselves with the instruction manual.

A mobile phone should never be relied on as the only means of communication. Lone workers should always check the signal strength before entering into a situation where they are alone. If there is no signal, the lone worker should contact their manager or a colleague ahead of a visit stating their location and the nature of the visit, along with an estimate of the time they think they will need to spend at the location. Once the visit is completed they should let their manager or a colleague know that they are safe.

Emergency contacts should be kept on speed dial as this will accelerate the process of making a call to raise an alarm.

The phone should never be left unattended but should be kept close at hand in case an emergency arises.

The use of a mobile phone could potentially escalate an aggressive situation and the lone worker should use it in a sensitive and sensible manner.

Code words or phrases should be agreed. They should be used to help lone workers convey the nature of the threat to their managers or colleagues, so that they can provide the appropriate response, such as involving the police.

The mobile phone could also be a target for thieves and great care should be taken to be as discreet as possible, whilst remaining aware of risks and keeping it within reach at all times.

Mobile phone use should be kept to a minimum and used in emergency situations only and in implementing the lone worker policy, e.g. calls from supervisors or calling ahead of a visit where there is no signal. Non-urgent calls should be made when the member of staff returns to their base.