https://club.hcqc.co.uk/c/self-audits/edit-lesson/sections/426166/lessons/1902731
Lone working is a common reality in general practice. Whether it’s GPs conducting home visits, reception staff opening or closing the practice alone, or administrative staff working late, there are various situations where employees may find themselves working without immediate support.
Ensuring that lone workers are protected is vital for both staff safety and patient care. Without proper risk management, lone workers may face increased exposure to aggression, medical emergencies, workplace accidents, or isolation-related stress.
A Lone Working Safety Audit provides practices with a structured way to assess their lone working policies, risk assessments, emergency response systems, and staff training to identify and mitigate risks before incidents occur.
The Key Risks of Lone Working in General Practice
1. Increased Risk of Violence or Aggression
Lone workers, particularly those in patient-facing roles, may encounter verbal abuse, aggression, or even physical harm from patients or visitors. This risk is higher for:
- Reception staff who may be the first point of contact for frustrated or distressed patients.
- GPs and nurses conducting home visits in unpredictable environments.
- Staff working late, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas of the practice.
Mitigation Strategies:
✅ Providing personal safety alarms or panic buttons.
✅ Implementing de-escalation training for handling difficult situations.
✅ Ensuring secure environments with CCTV or controlled access.
2. Delayed Emergency Response
A lone worker who experiences a medical emergency, fall, or injury may be unable to get immediate help. Common risks include:
- A GP suffering a medical emergency during a home visit without immediate assistance.
- A receptionist collapsing due to a health issue while opening or closing the practice.
- An administrative staff member experiencing an accident while working late.
Mitigation Strategies:
✅ Establishing regular check-in systems (e.g., phone calls, messaging apps).
✅ Ensuring all lone workers carry a fully charged mobile phone or emergency contact device.
✅ Providing first aid training so lone workers can manage minor emergencies.
3. Psychological Wellbeing and Stress
Working alone, especially in high-pressure or unpredictable situations, can lead to stress, anxiety, and reduced job satisfaction. Staff may feel:
- Isolated and unsupported.
- Overwhelmed by difficult situations with no immediate backup.
- Worried about their personal safety, leading to reduced confidence and productivity.
Mitigation Strategies:
✅ Encouraging open conversations about lone working concerns.
✅ Providing mental health support and regular wellbeing check-ins.
✅ Allowing flexible working options to reduce unnecessary lone working.
4. Home Visit Risks
GPs and nurses conducting home visits may enter unknown environments, which could pose:
- Personal safety risks (e.g., entering homes where aggression or violence is present).
- Environmental hazards (e.g., unsafe home conditions, pets, trip hazards).
- Medical emergencies where help is not immediately available.
Mitigation Strategies:
✅ Conducting pre-visit risk assessments before attending a home.
✅ Ensuring regular check-ins and a defined emergency escalation process.
✅ Training staff in situational awareness and personal safety strategies.
The Benefits of a Lone Working Safety Audit
Conducting a Lone Working Safety Audit allows practices to:
- Identify and assess lone worker risks across different roles.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and CQC standards.
- Implement structured emergency response measures to protect staff.
- Improve staff confidence and wellbeing by ensuring they feel supported.
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to staff safety, reducing liability and risk.
Final Thoughts
Lone working is unavoidable in general practice, but proactive risk management ensures it remains a safe and manageable practice. Staff should never feel isolated, at risk, or unsupported – a structured approach to lone working safety creates a safer, more confident, and more effective workforce.
