Lone Working Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how AB SiteSafe manages the health, safety, and welfare of Alexander Banister when working alone — whether conducting client site visits, on-site inspections, or working remotely from locations other than a fixed office.

Lone working is a routine part of delivering H&S consultancy services. This policy ensures that appropriate precautions are in place to reduce risk and ensure a means of raising an alarm if something goes wrong.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all lone working activities carried out on behalf of AB SiteSafe, including but not limited to:

• Client site visits and premises inspections
• Compliance audits at client locations
• Travel to and from client premises
• Remote working from home or other locations

3. Legal Framework

AB SiteSafe operates in accordance with the following legislation and guidance:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• HSE guidance: Working Alone — Health and Safety Guidance on Lone Working (INDG73)

4. Risk Assessment

Before undertaking any lone working activity at a new or unfamiliar client site, a brief site-specific risk assessment will be conducted. This will consider:

• The nature of the site and any known hazards
• Client industry and associated risks (e.g. construction, chemicals, machinery)
• Access and egress arrangements
• Likelihood of emergency or medical incident
• Mobile phone signal availability
• Time of visit and hours of operation at the site

5. Check-In Procedure

The following check-in procedure will be followed for all client site visits:

• Inform a designated contact of the visit location, purpose, and expected duration before departure
• Check in with the designated contact upon arrival at the site
• Check in again upon leaving the site
• If contact cannot be made within one hour of the expected return time, the designated contact should attempt to reach AB SiteSafe by phone; if unsuccessful, follow the escalation steps below

6. Designated Contact

A named person will be identified as the lone working contact for each visit. This person will be aware of the visit details and will be responsible for initiating the escalation procedure if contact is not received as expected.

7. Escalation Procedure

If the designated contact has not received a check-out confirmation within one hour of the expected time, the following steps should be taken:

• Attempt to contact AB SiteSafe by mobile phone (call and text)
• If no response after 15 minutes, attempt to contact the client site directly
• If still no contact after a further 15 minutes, and there is genuine concern for welfare, contact emergency services (999) and provide the last known location

8. Communication Requirements

AB SiteSafe will ensure the following during all site visits:

• A fully charged mobile phone will be carried at all times
• Mobile signal will be checked before entering the premises where possible
• Client contact details will be saved and accessible prior to the visit
• The location of the nearest hospital or urgent treatment centre will be noted for high-risk sites

9. Personal Safety

AB SiteSafe will take reasonable steps to ensure personal safety during all lone working activities, including:

• Not entering areas of an active site without the client's knowledge and escort if required
• Wearing appropriate PPE as directed by the client's site rules
• Refusing access to areas that present an unacceptable risk without adequate controls in place
• Leaving a site immediately if a situation arises that poses a risk to personal safety

10. Incident Reporting

Any incident, near-miss, or concern arising from a lone working activity must be recorded promptly. This includes situations where the check-in procedure was not followed, as well as any actual injury or emergency.

Records will be retained and reviewed as part of the annual policy review.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• A lone working incident or near-miss occurs
• The nature of AB SiteSafe's work changes significantly
• Relevant legislation or HSE guidance is updated

12. Responsibility

As a sole trader, Alexander Banister holds full responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Compliance with this policy is a condition of undertaking any lone working activity on behalf of AB SiteSafe.