Line managers play a key role in ensuring the safety of the lone workers they are responsible for.
They must make sure that that policies, procedures, and risk assessments are properly implemented and understood, and should be there to support their workers.
Are line managers responsible for writing lone working policies?
Lone working policies must be suitable and sufficient to assess risks posed to lone workers and, in turn, protect them. The policy should clarify roles and responsibilities, preventative measures, and actions that will be taken following an incident.
Line managers are responsible for communicating and explaining the companies lone working policy to employees and ensuring their understanding of the policy.
The policy should include any processes that are in place for managing lone workers and should be communicated to all employees.
Appropriate forms of communication for lone workers could include having a teams channel for employees to update on their whereabouts and ensure that they are safe at all times.
If a near miss or incident occurs, the relevant information should be communicated at the earliest opportunity to other employees.
The policy and procedures should be implemented by line managers, and they are responsible for tracking and ensuring that the policy and procedures remain relevant and suitable for lone workers.
What training and supervision should lone workers receive?
Line managers should ensure all employees that lone work are adequately trained to deal with aggression, violence, personal safety and the use of mobile devices during working hours for updating the team on whereabouts and safety.
Employees should be provided with appropriate skills and competencies to be able to work alone safely.
Line managers may also need to support lone workers by supervising or providing supervision in some cases, however this depends on risk levels and individual capabilities.
For example, if an employee was due to visit a high-risk area or site and they have less experience, they may need greater supervision.
A new employee or a new working situation may need extra supervision or accompaniment at first.
How can line managers support their lone workers?
It is essential for line managers to support their employees especially when required to make decisions to withdraw from any situation that is making them feel anxious or in danger when working alone.
Following an incident or near miss, managers should allow employees time for counselling if required and follow up on incident reports including any resulting actions.
How can WA Management help?
WA Management offer a Lone Working online training course which is suitable for managers or any employees who will be involved in lone working.
Lone Working & Communication Skills are essential tools in protecting your lone workers this holiday season.
Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these courses, available until the end of December. Simply enter the code ‘lone10’ at checkout to save!
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