Lone Working Policy
Council name NOCTON PARISH COUNCIL
Policy title LONE WORKING POLICY
First Adoption date 2019
Latest Review and Adoption date 14 April 2026 (Agenda ref. 12)
Next Review date May 2028
1. Introduction
Nocton Parish Council recognises its responsibility to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees, councillors, contractors and volunteers who may be required to work alone in the course of their duties.
This policy has been prepared in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and reflects the guidance and best practice promoted within the parish and town council sector. (Currently the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999)
2. Policy Statement
The Parish Council will take all reasonable steps to reduce risks associated with lone working. Lone working will be avoided wherever practicable; where it cannot be avoided, appropriate safeguards will be implemented.
The Parish Council acknowledges that lone working in itself is not unsafe, but that certain activities carried out alone may present additional risks which must be identified, assessed and controlled.
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
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All employees of the Parish Council, including the Clerk & Financial Officer
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Members of the Parish Council when undertaking council business
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Contractors and volunteers engaged by the Parish Council
The policy applies to any situation where an individual is working alone without close or direct supervision, including:
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Working alone in council premises
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Working alone on council business
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Site visits and inspections.
4. Definition of Lone Working
Lone working refers to any work activity undertaken by an individual who is isolated from colleagues, without immediate access to assistance in the event of an incident.
5. Responsibilities
The Parish Council
The Parish Council will:
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Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are undertaken for lone working activities
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Put in place appropriate control measures to manage identified risks
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Provide information, instruction and training as necessary
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Review lone working arrangements and this policy on a regular basis
The Clerk / Proper Officer
The Clerk (or another nominated officer) will:
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Identify lone working activities undertaken on behalf of the council
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Ensure that lone working risk assessments are completed and reviewed
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Maintain appropriate records of incidents, accidents or near misses involving lone working
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Ensure that suitable communication and emergency arrangements are in place
Employees, Councillors and Others
All individuals covered by this policy are required to:
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Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others
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Follow safe systems of work and procedures identified by the council
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Make proper use of any equipment or arrangements provided
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Report hazards, incidents, concerns or changes in circumstances to the Clerk without delay
All individuals covered by this policy are required when working in the council’s premises to:
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Familiarise with the layout of the building, especially the fire exits and escape routes.
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Keep doors locked that allow direct access to the building they are working in.
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Not to open doors to unexpected visitors without first checking who they are. In the case of contractors ask for and check identification. If still unsure check with the contractor’s employer or head office.
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Keep contact numbers at hand to contact relevant person(s) immediately if taken ill or if an intruder is suspected in the building.
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Park as near as possible to the building, in a well-lit area.
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Deny visitor access if not comfortable with the visitor.
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Carry a mobile phone when escorting visitors around the premises.
6. Risk Assessment
The Parish Council will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for lone working activities.
Risk assessments will consider, where relevant:
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The nature of the task and location
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The working environment and access arrangements
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The individual undertaking the work, including experience and any specific needs
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The potential for violence, aggression or abuse
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Medical considerations and emergency response
Risk assessments will be reviewed:
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At least annually
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Following an incident or near miss
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When there is a significant change in duties or working arrangements
7. Control Measures
Where lone working is necessary, the Parish Council will implement appropriate control measures, which may include:
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Avoiding high-risk activities when working alone
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Clear procedures and guidance for lone working tasks
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Pre-arranged contact and check-in arrangements
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Provision of suitable communication equipment such as mobile phones
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Personal safety measures where appropriate
8. Communication and Monitoring
Lone workers must ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to maintain contact with a designated person.
This may include:
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Informing a designated contact of work locations and expected return times
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Agreed check-in times
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Clear escalation procedures if contact is not made as planned
9. Dealing with Emergencies
Lone workers must be familiar with emergency procedures and know how to obtain assistance. In the event of an emergency, lone workers should:
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Contact the emergency services where necessary
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Inform the designated contact person as soon as practicable
Emergency contact details should be readily available.
10. Training
Where appropriate, the Parish Council will ensure that lone workers receive suitable training, which may include:
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Awareness of lone working risks
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Personal safety and conflict avoidance
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Emergency and reporting procedures
11. Incidents and Reporting
All accidents, incidents, near misses or concerns arising from lone working activities must be reported to the Clerk as soon as possible and recorded in accordance with council procedures.
12. Review
This policy will be reviewed by the Parish Council at least every 24 months, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, working practices or following a significant incident.