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HSE Policy on Lone WorkingDate Approved: August 2017HSE Policy for Lone WorkingPage 1
HSE Policy for Lone WorkingDocument Reference HSP:013:02NumberRevision Number1.0Document DevelopedByDocument ApprovedByConsultation with theTrade UnionsCompletedApproval DateMay 2017Presented toNational Joint CouncilAugust 2017RevisionDateAugust 2020Responsibility forImplementationResponsibility forReview and AuditHSE Policy for Lone WorkingNational Health & SafetyFunctionHealth and SafetyManagement AdvisoryCommittee & National DirectorHRMay 2017All Health Sector Managersand EmployeesNational Health & SafetyFunctionPage 2
TABLE OF CONTENTSPage1.0 Policy Statement52.0 Purpose53.0 Scope64.0 Legislation65.0 Glossary of Terms, definitions & abbreviations66.0 Roles & Responsibilities87.0 Procedure117.1 Risk Assessment process117.2 Risk Reduction Control Arrangements7.2.1 Information Sharing7.2.2 Service User Referrals7.2.3 Central Point of Contact7.2.4 Visits away from base7.2.5 Fixed Workplaces7.2.6 Technology7.2.7 Emergency Procedures7.2.8 Supervision1213131314151515167.3 Information, Awareness and Training7.4 Incident Management7.5 Considerations on referral to and or advice from Occupational Health1617178.0 Implementation plan179.0 Monitoring, Audit and Review1810.019ReferencesAppendix 1 Risk Assessment Process20Appendix II Dynamic Risk Assessment23Appendix III Hazards for Lone Workers in Community Settings24Appendix IV Hazards for Lone Workers in Fixed Workplaces25Appendix V Personal Safety Measures for Lone Workers (Community)26Appendix VI Personal Safety Measures for Lone Workers (Fixed Workplaces)29Appendix VII Audit Tool31Appendix VIII Step by Step Implementation32Appendix VIIII Simplified Implementation Plan34HSE Policy for Lone WorkingPage 3
Signature SheetI have read, understand and agree to adhere to this Policy and Procedure:Print NameSignatureHSE Policy for Lone WorkingArea of WorkDatePage 4
1.0Policy Statement1.11.21.31.4It is the policy of the Health Service Executive to ensure as far as reasonablypracticable, the safety, health and welfare of its employees and others who may beaffected by its work activities.The Health Service Executive acknowledges that some employees are required towork alone in a diverse range of environments, and in this regard, it is the policy ofthe HSE to ensure the safety of lone workers by minimising the related risk andputting in place appropriate measures to improve their safety.In all circumstances when employees work alone, all hazards associated with loneworking must be identified, the risks assessed, control measures identified andimplemented to ensure the safety and health of employees and those affected byour activities.Employees have a responsibility to play their part in monitoring their own personalsafety by their joint involvement in the identification, assessment and control ofidentified hazards and risks and in adhering to the safety measures put in place bythe HSE to protect them.Lone workers are those employees who work by themselves without close or direct supervision(HSA, 2011). Lone workers are employees who are physically isolated from colleagues and withoutaccess to immediate assistance.Lone working refers to situations where employees in the course of their duties work alone: 2.0In fixed workplaces e.g. Health centres, employees working out of hours in laboratory, x-raydepartment, isolation patient care cubicles, reception areas, community group homes,maintenance departments etc.Workers working away from their base e.g. community based employees, ambulance personnel,employees working / attending meetings in a non HSE facility etc.Purpose2.12.22.32.42.5To clearly state HSE policy in respect to Lone WorkingTo raise awareness of the safety risks presented by lone working to managers andemployeesTo describe procedures for managers and e
Operations/Business Manager or Support Services GM/Directors of Nursing are responsible to: 6.4.1 Ensure that all employees are aware of this Policy 6.4.2 Ensure that the hazards and risks associated with Lone Working are . measures . lone working. policy . Policy policy Policy Policy .
