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People
Personal Security - Working Alone

Lone workers are potentially more at risk of attack or needing assistance from a third party in such situations.
 
This section gives general guidance on working alone.
 
It sets out the common hazards and controls. It contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which may be helpful in considering what needs to be done to reduce the risk of working alone.
 
For more information, see the Working Alone section.
 
 
Management Issues
Before assigning people to work alone, managers must assess the risks of the work and the competence of the individual to deal with those risks.
 
Working alone is not advisable where the risks identified cannot be adequately controlled, for example, situations where violence may be reasonably foreseeable.
 
There must be a clear check-in procedure and a plan of action if the lone worker fails to check in.
 
The manager of a person working alone must respect their decision to withdraw from an activity if this is for safety and security reasons.
 
A responsible person should be aware of where staff are, if working alone.
 
 
Analysing the Risk
BBC myRisk Risk Assessment tool will assist in tackling this issue. Who might be harmed? Do you have to think about just BBC staff, contributors, or others who might be affected by the work? Who knows where they are and what time they are expected to be back - how will they raise the alarm if they get into trouble?
 
What equipment will be taken - is one person able to carry all the equipment needed, do they have expertise to use that equipment, will the equipment be a target for theft?
 
Only competent and experienced staff should be assigned to work alone, whether on location, or at BBC premises. In addition other factors may be relevant such as their physical fitness and stature for the particular task.
 
A lone worker should not be deployed in places where there is likely to be unpredictable behaviour by members of the public or the threat of violence. Where trouble is suspected, controls must be put in place e.g. two (or more) person crew, a minder, or consideration given to not working there at all.
 
Part of the planning for all assignments should be whether any person, especially those working on their own should be clearly identified as representing the BBC. Depending on the circumstances, this can either reduce or increase the risk.
 
Establish the intended routes, locations, activities and return times. If plans change the updated information should be relayed to base.
 
Planning work in offices and studios also requires a risk assessment covering the same sorts of issues - who knows where the person is and what they are doing, are there emergency procedures for the building etc.
 
For location work there should be arrangements in place to keep in contact with base e.g. a mobile phone, radio or a check-in procedure. The 'check-in procedure' could be in the form of regular telephone contact at prearranged intervals, unless it would be dangerous to do so.
 
The procedure should be known to all and regularly reviewed. It relies on good communication, planning and discipline. The aim is to enable base to be alerted quickly and take action should anything go wrong.
 
The person working alone on location should re-assess the risks, and consult with the Producer or Location Manager if significant concerns arise.
 
Anyone working in a public place needs to be alert to the possibility of unprovoked abuse, threats and even violence. Any violent incident must be reported as soon as possible to the producer or manager to help with future risk assessments and to decide if action needs to be taken.
 
Staff should be informed that if a situation deteriorates in a potentially hazardous way they must:
  • Immediately decide on and take the safest course of action and, if necessary, withdraw
  • Inform their manager/producer, or on site security staff of their decision and action(s) as soon as possible
 
The choice of transport affects risk whether using public transport - bus, train, taxi or pool & personal transport. Thought should be given to the choice of parking arrangements and routes to a location.
 
There is debate about whether personal attack alarms are useful.  They may be as long as the lone worker is familiar with their use and carries them in a prominent, easily accessible place.
 
Where security staff are not available other systems may be needed to reduce the risk of unauthorised entry into premises where staff work alone e.g. card readers or keypads.
 
 
Briefing
The briefing of those who may work alone should include:
  • The recognition of potentially violent situations or behaviour;
  • Avoidance techniques;
  • Diffusion techniques to prevent escalation of an incident;
  • Response to verbal or physical attack;
  • Procedures in the event of an emergency.
Where line workers are office-based they should clearly understand the emergency procedures that are in place in those premises for fire, first aid and emergency evacuation.  At no time should there be any compromise between ability to escape in emergency and any security measures in place in the building i.e. locked doors.
 
If members of the public have access to BBC premises, is there a panic button? Do the staff know when and how to use it? Is it reliably monitored, and are those that respond given instructions and training?
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