Working alone Toolbox Talk
Working alone does not automatically make work unsafe, but help may be delayed and some tasks must not be done alone. The assessment must match the worker, location, communication and emergency response.
Key points
- Identify tasks that require another competent person or direct supervision.
- Confirm the worker is trained, fit and authorised for the task.
- Use a reliable check-in and missed-contact escalation system.
- Test communication and location information before starting.
- Consider violence, medical conditions, travel and out-of-hours access.
- Set limits for high-risk work, hazardous substances and confined areas.
- Ensure emergency help can reach the exact location.
Do
- Check in at agreed times.
- Report changes of location or plan.
- Carry charged communication equipment.
Don't
- Do not undertake prohibited high-risk tasks alone.
- Do not rely on a phone where there is no signal.
- Do not miss a check-in without escalating.
Questions to ask the group
- Which tasks are prohibited alone?
- When is the next check-in?
- What happens if contact is missed?
References: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; HSE INDG73 Protecting lone workers