H&S Q: Lone working: Employer refuses to give procedures for Unaccompanied jobs

M

mbridge

Guest
Hello

Does anyone know the procedure for lone working , my employer refuses to give procedures for jobs that have to be done unaccompanied thanks
 
Re: Lone working

Look up www.hsa.ie and then FAQ's. You will find Lone working on the list of topics along the left hand side of the screen. Click on it and it should give you all the information you need.

A Risk Assessment of the job to be done would be a good place to start along with making sure communication with someone who knows you are working alone is available.
 
Re: Lone working

It is ahealth and safety question . I suppose the best start would be risk assessments but they wont do it . They are pleading ignorance . It is in a waste water treatment plant mechanical maintenance of the same . there is no guarantee of contact with someone that can gain access as acess is restricted even for emergency services
 
Firstly you have in this case done your own basic risk assessment and found that the work is dangerous and you would like something done about it. If management will plead ignorence then you have to put it in writing and get your own copy - email, that way you have identified that it has been brought to the attention of those who have responsibility for safety. Not easy to do if you don't communicate by email. Second option is to come up with a solution and present to management, like a mobile phone for all lone workers, sign in and buddy phone call at specified times or whatever. the third option is walk - not nice idea I know but ask yourself - do you really want to be working for an employer who will not take on his duty to provide a safe place of work for you?
 
Your employer has a duty of care to you while you are at work. If you are working in a dangerous environment you should not do so alone. A written procedure, at least one other person and appropriate training should be provided. Do not walk away as this will just put the next person in the same position. Is there a plant safety officer? There should be so raise your concerns with them as they are personally liable if you are injured due to negligence.
 
being a bit negative here but in that type of environmnent where employer is failing in his DOC (as I pointed out) and doesn't give a hoot the employee who "raises hell" won't be thanked - they will probably be gotten rid of in another way. Thank goodness I do not have experience with this type of workplace but I do believe they are out there. Thats why I suggested a few options not just a "get your coat and go" one. While as an employee has a duty of care to take into consideration cooworkers he/she does not have a duty or obligation to leave a safer place of work to somone doing his job when he has gone.
 
Hi mbridge,

Is there a trade union where you work?

Do you have a safety rep where you work?

What do your colleagues think of your concerns?

Is there any legislation about very warm office very little fresh air just a small window open . It is over 30 degrees c sometimes . Also should there be a rest area away from here for tea breaks etc.

Is it safe to assume from your other post that you normally work in an office environment but that occassionally you are called to work alone at a waste water treatment plant on mechanical maintenance?

aj