RA_HO_04 — Lone Working¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA_HO_04 |
| Issue Date | 04/07/2025 |
| Next Review | 04/07/2026 |
| Assessed By | Sean Ashton (HSQE Consultant) |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
| Classification | Controlled |
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Related: APP_07 Hazard Identification Log · APP_08 OHS Hazard Assessments Register
Task/Activity¶
Working alone from home or remote locations
Location¶
Home offices, remote sites, client premises
Persons at Risk¶
- Remote staff
- Field workers
- Out-of-hours workers
Hazards and Controls¶
| Hazard | Existing Controls | S | L | R | Additional Controls | S | L | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inability to summon help | Check-in procedures, emergency contacts | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Implement lone worker app, automated check-ins | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Accidents while alone | First aid training, emergency procedures | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Buddy system, enhanced monitoring | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Mental health impacts | Wellbeing support, regular contact | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Mental health resources, increased team interaction | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Medical emergency | Medical information held, first aid kits | 4 | 1 | 🟢 4 | Medical alert systems, emergency medication protocol | 4 | 1 | 🟢 4 |
| Violence or aggression | Risk assessment, de-escalation training | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Personal safety devices, dynamic risk assessment | 3 | 1 | 🟢 3 |
| Driving incidents | Journey management, vehicle checks | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Vehicle tracking, automated alerts | 3 | 1 | 🟢 3 |
| Environmental hazards | Weather monitoring, PPE provision | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 | Location sharing, environmental briefings | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Communication failure | Mobile phones, backup contacts | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Satellite devices for remote areas, escalation process | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
PPE Requirements¶
- Mobile phone/communication device
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle
- Personal alarm
- High visibility clothing (site work)
Training Requirements¶
- Lone worker procedures
- Risk assessment skills
- Emergency response
- Mental health awareness
- Personal safety
- De-escalation techniques
Emergency Procedures¶
- Escalation process for missed check-ins
- Emergency contact protocol
- Location sharing procedures
- Welfare check arrangements
- Police liaison procedures
Monitoring¶
- Daily check-in compliance
- Incident reviews
- Near miss reporting
Risk Assessment Summary¶
Risk Scoring Matrix¶
- Severity (S): 1=Negligible, 2=Minor, 3=Serious, 4=Catastrophic
- Likelihood (L): 1=Remote, 2=Unlikely, 3=Likely, 4=Almost Certain
- Risk Rating: 🟢 Low (1-5), 🟡 Medium (6-11), 🔴 High (12-16)
Document Control¶
- All risk assessments reviewed annually
- Update following incidents or changes
- Approved by senior management
- Communicated to all relevant parties
Related Documents¶
- APP_07 Hazard Identification Log
- MAN01_INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS) MANUAL
- APP_12 Training Matrix
Risk Scoring Matrix (4 × 4)¶
- Severity (S): 1 = Negligible · 2 = Minor · 3 = Serious · 4 = Catastrophic
- Likelihood (L): 1 = Remote · 2 = Unlikely · 3 = Likely · 4 = Almost Certain
- Risk Rating (R = S × L): 🟢 Low (1-5) · 🟡 Medium (6-11) · 🔴 High (12-16)
This RA uses the same 4 × 4 matrix applied across APP_07, APP_08 and all sister RAs for auditor consistency.
How this document is approved
This document is maintained under AMWS's continuous-compliance model. Substantive revisions are reviewed and signed off by the Directors at the standing weekly Director / HSQE compliance call (Sean Ashton, Onyx + Leanne Mason). Currency, cross-references and minor edits are checked at the monthly Onyx site visit. The annual Management Review (September) provides the strategic-level confirmation. Compliance is therefore continuous, not gated on a single annual meeting.