Buddy in the Know

Recent site inspections have led us to take a  closer look at lone working and the plans in place for lone workers.

• We have found that in general lone workers have arrangements in place but they are not always robust.

Lone workers are defined as those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. This includes those who work in the public domain but without other staff present as well as those that work entirely on their own.

If you are lone working it is important that you have lone working arrangements in place. These can range from utilising technology by way of GPS devices such as SPOT or Garmin or through a simple regular check-in with a ‘buddy’.

If you are using a buddy, it is important that they know what to expect from you and what to do in the case of an emergency.

Arrangements you should make using the buddy system:

• How you are going to check in with your buddy – e.g. phone call or
• What time you are checking in and how often – this should be at least every 3
• What course of action they should take if you fail to check in?
  • Do they know where you are?
  • Do they know how to get to you?
  • Does your buddy have the means to summon help?
  • Do they have the contact details of anyone working nearby or who can get to you quickly?
  • Do they have a copy of the site emergency response card?
  • If you expect your buddy to come to site do they know the hazards and control measures for the site so they don’t put themselves in danger?
  • If you expect your buddy to come to site are they first aid trained?