Lone Working

Last updated 11 May 2026

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Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Examples of lone working include:
  • People working alone on large, dispersed sites (Campsite).
  • People working on their own outside normal operating hours e.g. cleaners, Maintenance workers, and Pre-meeting Preparation/collection of materials.
  • Working in an empty office/site.
 
Working alone is not in itself against the 4th Ashby Scout Group Policy, and it will often be safe to do so, provided that appropriate controls are in place to ensure the risk of harm is either eliminated or minimised. 
 
But where there is a significant risk of injury or harm, coupled with a high chance of not being found quickly, lone working may not be allowed or will need to be managed.
 
Contractors shall be responsible for their own staff lone working arrangements and shall provide 4th Ashby Scout Group evidence of this at time of engagement.  Contractors without such policies/systems shall be avoided.
 
If lone working must take place, then it must be controlled. Controls should include a mechanism for having support from off-site 4th Ashby Leaders/Trustees. 
 
This should include notifying others that lone working is taking place and having a system for raising the alarm and ensuring a response is put in place. 
 
Before any lone working activities are carried out, the worker shall complete a Standard Lone Working risk assessment, the outcome of which will signal if any additional support/Checking is required.  
 
If additional support is required, then the activity/works must be approved by the Trustees/GLV, and which will include the following:
  • control measures to ensure that they have a means of contact.
  • a defined, tested checking-in mechanism.
 
Lone workers must read the Lone Working Policy and sign to state that they have read and understood the risks of lone working and the arrangements and controls necessary to ensure the risk of harm to them is either eliminated or minimised.
 
4th Ashby Scout Group recognises that it has a particular duty of care to young (under 18) and vulnerable members. As such, they are not allowed to carry out any field/operational work alone.
 
 

Hazards to consider

 
Does the work present a specific risk to the lone worker? 
Confined Space Working.Working at HeightElectrical WorksWeldingUse of Flammable Materials or Liquids/Gasses
 
Is there a safe way in and out for one person, e.g. for a lone person working out of hours where the workplace could be locked up?
No blocked exits. Check Doors still operate when locked from outside with key
 
Risk of Being Surprised or attacked by Intruders | Un-secured Doors
Is there a risk of violence and / or aggression?
 
Poor or No Communications
No/Bad Phone Signal/Low Battery – no charger
 
Is there plant or machinery involved in the work that one person cannot run safely?
Drilling rig, excavator, Hoist/crane, etc.
 
Are chemicals or hazardous substances being used that may pose a particular risk to the lone worker? 
LPG, Chlorine gas, Ferric solvents, etc.
 
Does the work involve lifting objects too large for one person? 
Valves, steel frames, camping equipment etc.
 
Are there any reasons why the individual might be more vulnerable than others and be particularly at risk if they work alone? 
Young, pregnant, disabled, trainee, etc.
 
If the lone worker’s first language is not English, are suitable arrangements in place to ensure clear communications, especially in an emergency? 
Translator, personnel with a common language.
 
Personal security considerations with regards to time of day, area/location.
History of personal security issues in the area.
 

Actions to consider when controlling hazards associated with lone working:

  • Give supervisors and lone workers the relevant information, instruction and training.
  • Identify and document activities that may need to come under lone working.
  • Ensure the hazards associated with the lone working tasks have been considered and mitigated.
  • Produce a risk assessment and method statement for the lone working task.
  • Ensure lone workers are aware of the tasks they are doing and know they are not allowed to perform any other task.
  • It is suggested that the emergency services should be called after no more than 60 minutes in cases where it has not been possible to communicate with the Lone Worker or the Lone Worker has not responded within the agreed timescales.
  • Ensure you have a communication plan detailing timings of communication, ways of communication, who the supervisor is and who the lone worker is (this may be via a proprietary ‘lone worker management system’).
  • Practice the communication plan.
 
A key message is that if any member does not feel safe when working alone then he/she should contact the Trustees/Group Lead Volunteer at once.
 
Please refer to the Health & Safety Executive Guidance on Protecting Lone Workers  HSE INDG73 for further information.
 

Lone Working – prohibited activities check list.

The following activities are regarded as prohibited by 4th Ashby Scouts unless, the person carrying them out is accompanied for the purpose specified or is being monitored in case of an incident. 
 
NB: Monitored in this context means closely supervised, i.e. no longer Lone Working!
  • “LIVE” working on electrical equipment.
  • Using portable ladders, excluding Step Up’s, Step Ladders or Podiums
  • Work requiring the use of safety harnesses for fall protection.
  • Working in confined spaces (other than Class 0 confined spaces). In the context of confined space safety, a "Class 0" or "Low-Risk" confined space, also known as a non-permit, required space, is characterized by easy entry/exit, adequate ventilation, and no foreseeable hazards like toxic atmospheres or flammable gases
  • Permitted maintenance adjustments to unguarded running machinery where there is a danger from nips, traps or shear hazards that may cause personal injury.
  • Lifting loads in excess of a person’s capability. (see HSE Guide on Manual Handling Regs  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l23.pdf )
  • Excavating / breaking ground, including using excavator plant or by hand.
  • Using high-pressure water jetting machines. High pressure means >110 Bar.
  • The mechanical lifting of containers of hazardous chemicals (e.g. cylinders, drums and IBC’s).
  • The maintenance of plant and equipment containing hazardous chemicals.
  • Call outs to intruder-activated alarms – (Always Await Police / Members arriving before getting out of your Vehicle).
  • Chain saw operation.
  • Using mechanical lifting equipment.
  • Reverse tipping of lorry loads down embankments or into excavations.
  • “Work” over unguarded deep water.
  • Using boatswain chairs or similar man access mobile platforms.
  • Working from mobile hydraulic/motorised access platforms that require manual override.
  • Boat work.