SPM Development Services Ltd.
Lone Worker Policy
Policy Statement
SPM Development Services Ltd. takes the health and safety of its employees and volunteers seriously. We have a legal duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our tutors/mentors while at work. We realise that at any given time, staff or volunteers may be working of-site, either at a young person’s home or another public place.
Aim and Scope
This policy is designed to alert employees and volunteers to the risks presented by lone working, to identify the responsibilities each person has in this situation, and to describe procedures which will minimise such risks. It is designed to give tutors/mentors a framework for managing potentially risky situations.
The legal framework
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, employers have a duty to safeguard the health and safety of their employees. This duty applies whether the employee is working at the usual workplace or off-site. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to assess the health and safety risks faced by employees and take appropriate preventative measures, where necessary. The main safety risk associated with home visiting is that of violence, although risks may also arise through stress brought on by the isolation experienced by some teachers working as home tutors.
Lone Workers
Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. SPM Development Services Ltd. have the responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all their employees and tutor/mentors. It is SPM Development Services Ltd.’ duty to assess the risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control the identified risks where necessary. There is no general legal prohibition on working alone, therefore the broad duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations apply. These require the identification of the hazards related to the work, assessing the risks involved, and putting measures in place to avoid or control these risks.
Employees and tutors/mentors are responsible for risk assessing activities relating to tutoring, mentoring and support work offsite, to ensure their own safety and the safety of the young person at all times. Control measures may include instruction, training, supervision, protective equipment etc. Protective equipment may be in the form of security measures such as mobile phones, personal alarms, or protective clothing.
It is the employee’s and/or Tutor/mentor’s responsibility to check that the control procedures and protective equipment is being properly maintained and used. They must also review the risk assessments from time to time to ensure that the safety measures are still adequate. When a risk assessment shows that it is not possible for an employee or Tutor/mentor to work alone, then control measures or arrangements for providing help or back up should be put in place. Employees and tutors/mentors must record all significant findings of the Risk Assessment and share that information to all those who may be affected.
Lone Worker Guidance
- Any identified risks must be communicated to those whom the risks apply and actions put in place
- Tutors/mentors are provided with all relevant information on particular pupils, their medical needs and any aggressive tendencies, as well as the background of parents/carers, including any aggressive tendencies, which can help prevent violent incidents occurring
- Client /student details must be kept confidential, and in a safe place at all times
- Call a new Client ahead of tuition and speak to them personally by phone
- Confirm appointments with clients on same day, ensure that the time is agreed by both parties
- Advise SPM Development Services Ltd. of any changes to times and days of visits organised by SPM Development Services Ltd.
- Tell someone else where you are going – giving the full location details and tell them when to expect you to return/contact them
- Assess the locations you are visiting, and decide if safe to visit on your own
- Should not give lifts to pupils or family members, or teach elsewhere other than the location specified on the risk assessment
- Where possible carry a mobile phone and pre dial number to raise alarm if necessary
- Carry a personal attack alarm if preferred
- When using your own vehicle ensure all valuables are locked away in the boot
- Keep your car keys in your pocket rather than in a bag
- Have your keys ready in your hand prior to arriving at the car
- Ensure you are aware of the route
- Always park in well-lit area – should you breakdown remain in your car with the doors locked until assistance arrives
- If you feel you are being followed, knock on nearest door for assistance
- Avoid using lifts or dark passageways, and take note of exits available
- Dogs should be locked in another room or outside
- Try to ensure you shut the front door, so that you know it is not locked
- As you enter, make a note of how the door opens and closes so that you can leave quickly, if necessary
- Try to keep yourself between the client and the door
- Never enter a house if the student isn’t present – tell the client you will wait outside
- Never work alone in a house with a student, an accompanying adult must be present in the house at all times
- If there is another person on the premises that makes you feel uncomfortable, ask if they can leave or make your excuses and reappoint
- Do not enter into any family disputes
- Inform office of any changes to the client’s initial assessment
- If you feel at all uncomfortable or unsure, make an excuse and leave. Trust your instincts. SPM Development Services Ltd. will always support your choice to leave a situation in which you don’t feel comfortable for any reason.
- Each employee has a duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure their own safety, as well as their colleagues
- All incidents, including near misses must be reported immediately to SPM Development Services Ltd.