Lone Workers

Policy

Lone workers or workers working in the community in the health sector are at risk of abuse, threats, or physical assault due to the stressful and personal nature of health care, and the increased risk from handling medications.

We are committed to doing everything we can, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, to manage the risks for staff members working alone.

• We identify the risks before a staff member works alone and mitigate them as much as possible.
• We manage and report any incidents that take place during lone working by following our incident management procedure.
• Staff planning to enter the premises after hours must make arrangements with the practice manager.
• The last two staff members to leave at the end of the day should leave together. 

See also Aggressive People and Incidents.

Incident occurs while working alone

An incident includes anything that could have, or did cause harm to someone. When someone is working alone in a health care environment there is an increased risk of threats, intimidation, aggression, or physical attack.

If you are at immediate risk, get to safety as soon as possible and/or dial 111.

After an incident has taken place:

1. Alert the practice manager as soon as possible.
2. If appropriate, report the incident to police.
3. Follow the incident management process to report, investigate, and identify any follow-up actions.

   If a patient is involved, document relevant information in the patient notes.

See also Managing and Reporting Incidents.

Off-site/home visits

How do you mitigate the risks of home or off-site visits?

Before attending an off-site/home visit, staff must assess risk and take precautions:

• Check current and historical patient notes for any factors that might increase the risks of a home visit.
• Raise any concerns with the practice manager, who may decline the request or put a safety plan in place.
• Ensure someone from the practice knows where you are going and the expected return time.
• Carry a mobile phone at all times.
• Advise the practice if you will be returning later than expected.   

Be aware of recommended safety guidelines for home visits. Reassess risk on arrival, and continually throughout the visit.