Lone Working Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Towerblock Radio CIC manages the risks associated with lone working to protect staff and volunteers who work alone.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff and volunteers who work alone in any capacity for Towerblock Radio CIC, including studio sessions, event setup, archive work and community outreach.

Definitions

• Lone working means working without close or direct supervision and without another person nearby who could assist in an emergency.
• Check-in means a system of contact between the lone worker and a designated contact person.

Responsibilities

The board ensures lone working risks are managed. The Operations Lead maintains lone working procedures. Lone workers follow the procedures. Designated contacts maintain check-in arrangements.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC takes reasonable steps to protect staff and volunteers who work alone, through risk assessment, check-in systems, and clear procedures for emergencies.

Detailed Procedures

Risk assessment

Before any lone working activity, a risk assessment must be conducted that considers:

• The location and environment.
• The time of day.
• The nature of the activity.
• Communication availability.
• Emergency access.
• The lone worker's experience and training.
• Any specific vulnerabilities.

Lone working that should be avoided

Lone working should be avoided for:

• Activities involving children or adults at risk.
• High-risk activities (e.g. working at height, with hazardous equipment).
• Late-night or overnight work in isolated locations.
• Cash handling.

Check-in system

Lone workers must:

• Inform a designated contact of their location, expected duration and expected return time.
• Check in at agreed intervals (e.g. every hour).
• Contact the designated contact when the activity is complete.
• Have a means of communication (mobile phone).

If a lone worker misses a check-in, the designated contact shall:

1. Attempt to contact the lone worker by phone.
2. If no response within 15 minutes, attempt to contact the venue or site.
3. If no response within 30 minutes, consider visiting the location or contacting emergency services.

Emergency procedures

Lone workers must have access to emergency contact numbers and know the emergency procedures for their location. In an emergency, call 999.

Equipment

Lone workers must have a charged mobile phone, any required safety equipment, and access to first aid facilities.

Reporting Process

Any incident or near miss during lone working must be reported to the Operations Lead within 24 hours.

Compliance Requirements

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Monitoring

The board reviews lone working activity and incidents annually.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Health and Safety Policy
• Risk Assessment Template
• Incident Reporting Procedure

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/policies/lone-working-policy

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Lone Working Policy | Towerblock Radio

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Towerblock Radio CIC's lone working policy covering risk assessment, check-in systems, emergency procedures and safety for staff and volunteers working alone.

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