From community groups to volunteer-led initiatives, people can find themselves alone while preparing for an event, completing administrative tasks, or working toward a main goal, all in separate locations. There are many lone working scenarios, all of which can be just as risky. So, the lone workers in groups or organisations…. How do we protect them?
- Do you lead a team within a Scout group?
- Do you coordinate volunteers for a local charity, food bank, or environmental clean-up initiative?
- Do you organise professional networking events, business mentorship programs
,or training workshops? - Do organise an after-school club?
- Do you manage a church group or community support network?
Have you considered the risks and provided a safe and supportive environment for your lone workers?
Is it classed as Lone Working, if Lone Workers in Groups or Organisations, are only alone occasionally?
Lone working occurs when an individual carries out tasks away from their team or without direct oversight. Even for a short time. They are a lone worker, If they work alone for half an hour, or days.
This can happen in various settings:
- A group leader is setting up a venue before an event.
- A volunteer handling deliveries or maintenance at a community space.
- A member meeting with an external contact alone.
- Someone working remotely or off-site without immediate support.
While using Lone Workers in groups or organisation may be unavoidable, groups must implement safeguards to protect their members.
The Role of Group Leaders in Managing Lone Working
Group leaders, your responsibilities include completing a Lone Worker Risk Assessment where every lone working situation should be assessed for risks. For example, is the environment well-lit, secure, and easy to exit if needed? Do the tasks involve any hazards such as heavy lifting, handling money, or engaging with unknown individuals? Are the staff or volunteers prepared for the task? How can the lone worker contact their supervisor in an event of alarm?
By identifying risks in advance, leaders can take preventive steps to reduce potential dangers.
A simple communication system is vital for lone workers. This could be in the form of regular check-ins via phone, messaging apps, or lone working apps. Is this robust procedure in place?
Setting a clear start and end time for lone working activities and providing procedures for escalating concerns if contact is lost during that time. Do you provide this, and HOW would you know their last known location, should an emergency occur?
Best Practices for Lone Working within Groups
For groups that require members to work alone, even occasionally, following best practices can significantly improve safety. Lone working doesn’t have to be dangerous if it is well-managed. By assessing risks, maintaining strong communication, and equipping individuals with the right training and tools, group leaders can create a safe environment where members can carry out their work with confidence and reassured that someone is looking out for them.
Ensuring safety isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about fostering a culture where people feel protected, valued, and supported, no matter where they are working.
Would your group benefit from a clearer lone working policy? Now is the time to review your approach and take steps toward a safer working environment.
If your group isn’t yet prepared for lone working, contact MyTeamSafe®. We’re passionate about supporting workplace safety and employee wellbeing. We are proud supporters of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust