Purpose
Guardsman Security Services Ltd recognises that security personnel may be required to work alone or without close or direct supervision. Lone working can increase vulnerability because immediate assistance may not be available if an incident occurs.
The purpose of this policy is to establish arrangements for identifying, assessing and managing the risks associated with lone working.
Scope
This policy applies to employees, workers and security personnel undertaking lone-working duties on behalf of Guardsman Security Services, including static guarding, mobile patrols, keyholding, alarm response, lock and unlock duties and other assignments where personnel may work without close supervision.
Risk Assessment
Lone-working arrangements will be considered as part of the relevant risk assessment and assignment planning process.
- the location and nature of the site;
- working hours and periods of isolation;
- access and egress arrangements;
- the risk of violence, aggression or confrontation;
- the presence of members of the public, alcohol or drugs;
- communication coverage and reliability;
- medical or welfare considerations where relevant;
- emergency arrangements;
- travel between locations; and
- the availability and expected response time of assistance.
Communication & Welfare Checks
Appropriate arrangements will be established for maintaining contact with lone workers. Depending on the assignment and level of risk, these may include scheduled telephone or radio checks, supervisor contact, electronic monitoring, agreed check-in procedures or other suitable communication systems.
Personnel must comply with agreed welfare-check arrangements and immediately report any failure of communication equipment or other issue that could affect their safety.
Personal Safety
Lone workers must remain alert to changes in their environment and should not place themselves at unnecessary risk. Where a situation becomes unsafe, personnel should prioritise personal safety, withdraw where appropriate, request assistance and follow the relevant escalation procedure.
Security personnel are not expected to undertake tasks outside their training, authority or assignment instructions.
Violence & Aggression
Security work can involve interaction with individuals who are distressed, confrontational, intoxicated or aggressive. Lone workers must follow conflict-management and personal-safety procedures and request police or emergency assistance where circumstances require it.
All incidents of violence, threats, abuse or significant intimidation must be reported.
Emergency Procedures
Lone workers must know how to obtain assistance in an emergency and should be familiar with site emergency arrangements before commencing duties.
Where there is an immediate threat to life or a serious emergency, personnel should call 999. Guardsman Security Services should then be informed as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.
Training & Competence
Personnel assigned to lone-working duties will receive appropriate information, instruction and training relevant to the risks of the assignment. This may include conflict management, emergency procedures, communication systems, personal safety and incident reporting.
Supervision & Monitoring
The level of supervision and monitoring will reflect the risks associated with the role and the experience and competence of the worker. New or inexperienced personnel may require additional supervision before undertaking higher-risk lone-working duties.
Incident Reporting & Review
Accidents, near misses, communication failures, threats, welfare concerns and other significant lone-working incidents must be reported. Arrangements will be reviewed where an incident, change in site conditions or other information indicates that existing controls may no longer be adequate.
Responsibilities
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that lone-working risks are considered and suitable arrangements are communicated. Lone workers are responsible for following those arrangements, maintaining communication and reporting concerns promptly.
Policy Review
This policy is intended to be reviewed at least annually and sooner where there is a significant change in legislation, company operations or relevant risk.