Lone Working Risk Assessment

Jamie,

As Gary has suggested.

However here is a really old Lone Working Risk doc that I had lying around. I have a more updated version in the office but hopefully this will give you an idea as to the type of things you need to consider.

In my example, I do not permit ladder work to be done by a lone worker, however as we all know for sole traders this isn't always an option! - You will need to assess each risk for the particular task being performed, in your case grass cutting and make the necessary changes.

RISK ASSESSMENT - GENERAL – LONE WORKING

Prior to work commencement

1. Must have PPE overalls, safety footwear etc.

2. Consider risks and hazards associated with the task to carry out. Refer any concerns to the supervisor before commencing work.

3. Take into account any generic risk assessments associated with the work in hand.

Hazards

1. Violence.

2. Falls from heights.

3. Manual handling.

4. Lack of communication.

Control Measures

1. Mobile telephone must be switched on and operational at all times during the working day.

2. Only experienced and trained personnel with no adverse medical history will be considered for working alone.

3. Where it is necessary to work alone, ensure, wherever possible, that someone in the vicinity of the works knows that you are alone and the approximate time that you are expected to complete the job.

4. Where working in unoccupied buildings / grounds, contact should be made at pre-arranged intervals with persons specified by the supervisor or the supervisor.

General Note

Certain jobs will always be carried out with the assistance of at least one other person. These would include:

1. Working on ladders or scaffolding

2. Work in confined spaces

3. Chain Saw work

Replies

PRO

Gary RK January 21, 2012 at 8:26pm

Jamie, first go get indg63 & indg73 booklets from hse website. They give you all the basics. Ours are based on those publications (which are foc). Next go to businesslink.gov.uk and search out their lone worker briefing section. I remember it is helpful.

Sorry, it's sad I know, but I know those publications by heart ;-)
PRO

Brian www.mibservices.co.uk January 21, 2012 at 9:06pm

heres the link to the HSE lone working criteria http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/workalone.htm
Graeme @ BGS January 22, 2012 at 10:12am

Jamie,

As Gary has suggested.

However here is a really old Lone Working Risk doc that I had lying around. I have a more updated version in the office but hopefully this will give you an idea as to the type of things you need to consider.

In my example, I do not permit ladder work to be done by a lone worker, however as we all know for sole traders this isn't always an option! - You will need to assess each risk for the particular task being performed, in your case grass cutting and make the necessary changes.

RISK ASSESSMENT - GENERAL – LONE WORKING

Prior to work commencement

1. Must have PPE overalls, safety footwear etc.

2. Consider risks and hazards associated with the task to carry out. Refer any concerns to the supervisor before commencing work.

3. Take into account any generic risk assessments associated with the work in hand.

Hazards

1. Violence.

2. Falls from heights.

3. Manual handling.

4. Lack of communication.

Control Measures

1. Mobile telephone must be switched on and operational at all times during the working day.

2. Only experienced and trained personnel with no adverse medical history will be considered for working alone.

3. Where it is necessary to work alone, ensure, wherever possible, that someone in the vicinity of the works knows that you are alone and the approximate time that you are expected to complete the job.

4. Where working in unoccupied buildings / grounds, contact should be made at pre-arranged intervals with persons specified by the supervisor or the supervisor.

General Note

Certain jobs will always be carried out with the assistance of at least one other person. These would include:

1. Working on ladders or scaffolding

2. Work in confined spaces

3. Chain Saw work
Jamie Sprake January 22, 2012 at 4:45pm

Thank you for your comments. I have now done the risk assessment.