LONE WORKING GUIDANCE
INTRODUCTION
There are many circumstances where Computer Science staff are asked to,
or have to work alone. While most of these circumstances will not present a
risk to the person, it is important that all steps are taken to minimise that
risk and ensure an individual's safety.
The guidelines contained within this document set out ways of managing
safe lone working, and gives recommendations for precautions to take in
many common circumstances.
The Extent of the Problem
It will not be until the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) incorporate certain
violent incidents at work into the revised Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) that there will be real
knowledge of the extent of violence and aggression at work.
However, many indicators point to a rise in violent and aggressive incidents,
either at work or in the course of work. The British - Crime Survey of 1992
noted that workplace violence seems to be the fastest growing of all
locations for violent crime. Between 1981 and 1991 the rate of violent
assaults at work more than doubled, accounting for over 13% of all
assaults.
Definitions:
Lone Worker - Any person who is allowed to work alone, outside of the
University environment, at any time, day or night, in or out of doors, for
significant periods of time.
Violence at Work - An incident or behaviour that abuses, threatens or
assaults a member of staff in circumstances arising out of the course of
their employment or activity, and results in physical, mental or emotional
damage.
Violence to Staff - violence includes
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Physical attack - whether or not actual injury and/or pain occurs.
Sexual attack.
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Other aggressive behaviour directed towards a member of staff
causing fear or concern e.g. verbal abuse, threats and intimidating
behaviour.
Damage to personal property.
Computer Science staff may be faced with intimidation or threatening
behaviour resulting in emotional distress, which is equally as frightening
and harmful as physical assault.
ADVICE/GUIDELINES
The following guidelines are designed to offer general advice to all staff on
planning for safe lone working, how to avoid violence and how to deal with
potentially difficult situations.
It is recognised that it is not possible to cover every eventuality, as the
situations in which violence may occur are too diverse. All personnel must
follow Computer Science guidelines and safe systems of work that may be
introduced following any risk assessment.
Develop Confidence and Communication Skills
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Learn how to deal with difficult situations, develop communication
skills and assertiveness through training, when offered.
Allow the aggressor plenty of space, both personal and verbal.
Be aware of your body language, e.g. relax your stance and do not
clench your fists.
Look confident - not arrogant, a person who looks confident is less
likely to be attacked.
Effective communication can greatly reduce the risk of aggressive or
potentially violent situations developing, but remember that
communication is not just verbal.
If people focus their aggression on you, work to placate rather than
provoke them.
How To Reduce The Risk
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Avoid confrontation, do all you can to defuse a potentially violent
situation.
Never interview a person alone if they have a history of violent or
aggressive behaviour, this includes interviews undertaken by all
Computer Science Projects.
If possible, staff must avoid one-to-one meetings outside of office
hours.
Physically - keep your distance.
Trust your intuition. If you feel scared or uneasy, do not ignore the
warning, act on it.
Learn to recognise body language.
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The interviewer must be able to exit the room safely.
All members of staff who are involved in one-to-one meetings, must
have their personal attack alarms in close proximity.
Interviews with members of the public, who are seeking information
about volunteering opportunities, must be conducted in accordance
with Volunteer England Quality Standards.
When leaving the workplace, ensure written details of your movements
and when you expect to be back are available i.e. on whiteboard in
reception and weekly schedule.
Always report any incident, no matter how trivial it may seem. Not
doing so could put others at risk.
Travelling By Vehicle
If you drive, a few sensible precautions will help minimise risks and help to
make you more confident: Before you set off
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Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy.
Ensure you have adequate fuel for the journey.
Plan your route.
Tell someone at Computer Science your destination and expected time
of return.
If there is a mobile phone available, take it with you.
Always carry change for the telephone or alternatively carry a phone
card.
If possible, secure membership of a breakdown organisation.
On the Road
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Keep bags and other valuables out of sight - even during the journey.
Keep doors locked and windows closed as much as possible, especially
in stop-go traffic.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
If followed, drive to the nearest police station or concentration of
people and, if necessary, telephone the police then.
Site Visits
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Whenever possible do not undertake site visits alone.
Staff making visits off-site alone should follow the guidelines set out below:
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Always check the validity of a new client before undertaking a visit.
This can be done be done via contacts at work, local authorities, other
organisations etc.
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Always ensure details of meetings off-site are left with admin staff,
(use whiteboard or weekly schedule).
If possible leave a contact number/address.
Always indicate an approximate return time.
When meeting people off-site indicate to them that you have
undertaken the above precautions and that you are expected back at a
certain time.
If a meeting in a secluded place cannot be avoided, have an exit route
planned and work out in advance 'a means of transport back.
Do not give your home number or address to clients.
Wear clothes that give out the signals you intend to give (a casual
appearance may not always be the most appropriate).
The availability and use of mobile phones is increasing, but the range
and coverage is still variable. However, where possible and practical,
lone workers should book out a mobile phone, if one is available.
(Many people also carry their own personal mobile phones.)
SUMMARY
The average person's chance of becoming a victim is very low. However,
sometimes at work, because of the situations we find ourselves in, the odds
are increased. We should be working all the time to keep these odds as low
as possible.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER GUIDANCE
A guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations 1995
HSE publication - Preventing Violence to Staff - The Tavistock Institute of
Human Relations
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (and revisions)
Personal Safety at Work - Guidance for all Employees - The Suzy
Lamplugh Trust