LON/Specific Roles/TBT-LON-020
Lone Working in Remote or Isolated Locations
Lone Working › Specific Roles › Lone Working in Remote or Isolated Locations
Toolbox Talk
Lone Working in Remote or Isolated Locations
Construction and civil engineering projects often require workers to operate alone in remote locations such as pumping stations, reservoirs, rural pipeline routes, and telecommunication masts. These locations may have limited mobile signal, difficult access for emergency services, and no nearby colleagues. A robust lone working system is essential to ensure help can reach a lone worker in time if something goes wrong.
Key Hazards
Delayed emergency response due to poor mobile signal coverage
No immediate assistance available if the worker is injured
Difficult access for emergency vehicles at remote rural locations
Personal safety risks from trespassers or aggressive animals
Control Measures
- Carry out a site-specific lone working risk assessment before sending anyone to a remote location.
- Issue a satellite-enabled lone worker device where mobile phone signal is unreliable.
- Establish a check-in schedule with a nominated contact and define escalation actions if contact is missed.
- Provide the lone worker with a detailed map, access route, and grid reference for the location.
- Brief emergency services in advance on the access route for difficult-to-reach locations.
- Restrict lone working at remote sites to low-risk tasks only, as identified in the risk assessment.
- Ensure the worker carries a fully stocked first aid kit appropriate for the planned tasks.
- Confirm vehicle breakdown cover and recovery arrangements for remote rural locations.
- Debrief the lone worker on return and review the risk assessment if any issues were encountered.
Remember
- Carry a satellite-enabled device where mobile phone signal cannot be guaranteed
- Check in with your nominated contact at every agreed interval without exception
- Only carry out low-risk tasks when working alone in remote or isolated locations
- Carry a detailed map with grid reference so emergency services can find you
- Report any access or communication difficulties on return so the risk assessment can be updated
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · MHSWR 1999 · CDM 2015 · BS 8484:2016 Lone Worker Device Services
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.