Lone Working Hazards in Construction — Controls and RAMS Guidance
TL;DR
Lone Working is a significant hazard on UK construction sites requiring systematic risk management. Employers must assess the risk, implement appropriate controls, and ensure workers are briefed before work begins. Documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance.
Who Is at Risk
Anyone working near or involved in activities that generate or are affected by this hazard. Risk assessment must identify all persons at risk — including workers, supervisors, visitors and the public — and the controls must protect all of them.
Legal Framework
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and CDM 2015 all apply. Additional specific regulations may apply depending on the hazard type — including COSHH for chemical hazards, PUWER for plant and equipment, WAH Regulations for work above ground level, and RIDDOR for incident reporting.
What Goes Wrong
The majority of incidents involving this hazard occur when:
- The hazard is not recognised before work starts
- Risk assessment is generic and not site or task specific
- Workers are not briefed on the controls before starting
- Controls are available but not being used or enforced
- Conditions change and the risk assessment is not reviewed
- Near-misses are not reported and learning opportunities are missed
Control Hierarchy
- Eliminate — remove the hazard through design, planning or process changes
- Substitute — use a safer alternative where the hazard cannot be fully eliminated
- Engineering controls — physical measures that reduce exposure without relying on worker behaviour
- Administrative controls — procedures, training, supervision and permit systems
- PPE — personal protective equipment as the final supplementary layer
Controls must always start at the top of the hierarchy. PPE alone does not constitute adequate control.
RAMS Requirements
Every RAMS for tasks involving this hazard should address:
- Clear hazard identification with the specific mechanism of harm
- Who is at risk and how they might be harmed
- Controls selected in the correct hierarchy order
- PPE requirements with EN standards specified
- Any permit to work required
- Emergency response procedures
- Supervision and monitoring requirements
- Briefing and sign-off arrangements
Site Evidence Checklist
- Task-specific risk assessment completed
- RAMS prepared with controls specific to this hazard
- Pre-task briefing delivered with signed attendance list
- Required PPE available, issued and being worn
- Any required permits in place before work starts
- Supervisor monitoring work against RAMS
- Post-task debrief and any near-misses recorded
- Evidence filed in project document store
FAQs
Must every worker be re-briefed if the RAMS changes?
Yes. If the RAMS is revised due to changed conditions or new information, every affected worker must be re-briefed on the changes before the revised task begins. Amended RAMS should be re-signed.
Does the principal contractor need to approve our RAMS?
Yes. The principal contractor must review and approve all trade RAMS before the work begins on their site. They may request changes. Do not start work until approval is received in writing.
What PPE is typically required for this type of hazard?
PPE requirements depend on the specific exposure and task. The RAMS should specify the exact items required, the EN standards they must meet, and the maintenance and inspection requirements. Generic PPE requirements are insufficient.
How should we respond if a worker refuses to follow the RAMS controls?
Stop the task. The worker's refusal may indicate a genuine safety concern or may reflect a misunderstanding. Either way, do not allow the work to continue until the issue is resolved. Document the situation and any actions taken.
Is training required before workers carry out tasks involving this hazard?
Training requirements depend on the specific hazard and task. The risk assessment should identify what training is required. Training must be documented and workers must not carry out tasks for which they are not competent.