Lone Working Risk Assessment

Primrose Weddings & Events Ltd  |  t/a The Harrogate Food & Drink Co.  |  Funky Fridays  |  Trufflehunters
Document RefRA-001
Issue DateDecember 2025
Last ReviewDecember 2025 — L. Aikman
Next ReviewDecember 2026
AssessorLinda Aikman
Applies toAll lone working staff across all event operations

Scope: This assessment covers all situations where staff work alone at events, during set-up and breakdown, when travelling to/from events, or when undertaking any work task without a colleague present.

Legislation: Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Risk Rating = Likelihood (1–5) × Severity (1–5)  |  LOW 1–6 MEDIUM 7–14 HIGH 15–25

Hazards, Controls & Residual Risk

Hazard Who is at Risk L S Initial Risk Control Measures L S Residual Risk
Loss of contact with lone worker — potential delay in emergency, violence or aggression Staff236 LOW
  • Contact made between lone worker and designated buddy staff (confirm arrival, departure, safe status).
  • Procedures in place if staff do not call in or return as agreed, including out-of-hours.
  • Work contacts have accessible personal contact details and next-of-kin information for all lone workers.
  • Mobile telephone carried, fully charged and switched on at all times.
  • Staff briefed to reduce valuables carried and to plan meeting times and locations carefully.
  • Personal safety awareness training provided at induction.
224 LOW
Aggression and violence from members of public or other persons Staff133 LOW
  • Staff instructed to assess risks on arrival (signs of break-in, threatening persons) and leave if concerned.
  • Event organisers briefed to provide stewarding/security at larger events.
  • Staff to reduce valuables taken to work — less to give up, less likely to resist.
  • Lone workers not to work in isolated locations after dark without prior approval from event manager.
122 LOW
Accident or medical emergency — lone worker unable to summon or receive first aid Staff224 LOW
  • Suitably stocked first aid kit available and accessible on site at all events.
  • All accidents reported and investigated within 24 hours.
  • Lone worker buddy system monitoring arrangements as above.
  • Emergency services number (999) known to all staff. Event organiser first-aider contact shared at briefing.
212 LOW
Increased risk due to personal circumstances — pregnancy, disability, medical conditions, inexperience Staff224 LOW
  • Lone workers asked at induction and regularly thereafter to disclose any medical condition or circumstance that may affect their safety.
  • Individual risk assessments conducted for specific circumstances as required.
  • Pregnant workers and those with relevant medical conditions not assigned to lone working without specific risk assessment.
212 LOW
Personal safety and travelling — vulnerability when travelling alone, risk of crime Staff224 LOW
  • Lone workers to plan journeys carefully. Inform a colleague or family member of route and expected arrival time.
  • Never leave keys in ignition when out of the vehicle.
  • Keep doors locked when driving; bags and valuables out of sight.
  • Vehicles serviced regularly. In winter: lights clean, battery fully charged.
  • Staff to have up-to-date breakdown cover and know the number to call.
  • In case of breakdown in an isolated area, remain in the vehicle with doors locked and call for assistance.
212 LOW

Monitoring & Review

The event manager is responsible for ensuring buddy check-in procedures are followed at every event. Any lone working incident, near-miss or concern must be reported immediately and logged. This assessment is reviewed annually and following any incident involving a lone worker.