Policy Objective
The primary aim of Guardon Security’s Lone Worker Safety Policy is to safeguard
employees by minimizing risks associated with lone working.
Risk Assessments and Control Measures
Management is responsible for conducting thorough risk assessments of lone working sites and implementing effective control measures to ensure the health and safety of employees.
Nature of Lone Working
While many employees work alone without significant risks, such as office workers performing routine tasks, Guardon Security recognizes that some roles may involve increased risks.
Employees will be trained to use the guard patrol monitoring system to mitigate risks associated with lone working activities.
Scope of the Policy
This policy:
- Outlines situations where lone working is appropriate and identifies instances where it is
- Applies to all employees of Guardon Security
- Is subject to comprehensive risk assessments to identify and address potential hazards.
Legal Compliance
While there is no legal restriction on lone working, Guardon Security adheres to:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates employers to provide safe systems of work and safe workplaces as far as reasonably
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, which require employers to assess and control risks arising from work
These obligations extend to employees, contractors, visitors, and any other individuals affected by work activities.
Staff Responsibilities and Documentation
To ensure compliance with this policy:
- A current insurance document for the location must be obtained and made available.
- Staff must complete and submit a weekly diary or timesheet to the Operations Manager, detailing their whereabouts and
Vulnerabilities of Lone Working
In emergencies, lone workers may face greater challenges in summoning assistance or managing hazardous situations. To mitigate this:
- Lone workers will have access to visual and audible communication with other staff who can provide immediate assistance if
Situations Where Lone Working is Prohibited
As identified by the Health and Safety Executive, lone working is not allowed in environments such as:
- Confined spaces with inadequate ventilation (e.g., tanks, manholes, pipes, or areas containing hazardous substances).
Note: Guardon Security does not foresee any circumstances requiring services in such environments.
Risk Assessments for Client Sites
Most security services are provided at client workplaces. Supervisors will:
- Conduct risk assessments of the working area, including access and egress
- Ensure specific insurance policies are in place for higher-risk activities, such as physical intervention and disengagement
Pre-Event Risk Checks
Risk assessments should address the following:
- Safe access and exit
- Fully operational fire precautions (e.g., fire alarms and emergency lighting).
- Staff familiarity with emergency response procedures, including fire alarm
- Effective communication systems (e.g., phone links with the office).
- Capability of lone workers to operate equipment, including emergency
- Access to a qualified first aider and a first aid
- Handling or lifting tasks requiring more than one
- Adequate supervision to identify and address potential
- Health conditions that may increase risks (e.g., diabetes) and access to medical
- Use of safety alarms for lone workers to detect
- Specific risks related to the working environment (e.g., loud noises, strobe lighting).
All risks identified during assessments will be documented and reviewed regularly as part
of Guardon Security’s standard procedures. Communication and Responsiveness Employees must:
- Respond to telephone and email messages within 12 hours, except during
- Ensure mobile phones used for work have active voicemail to allow messages to be left.
Additional Resources and Queries
Guidelines on manual handling or risk assessment are available at Guardon Security’s
head office. Employees are encouraged to seek assistance or clarification as needed.
Commitment to Staff Safety
The safety and well-being of staff are of paramount importance. Employees are expected to adhere to this policy and the associated guidelines to ensure a secure working environment.
