Lone Working Checklist
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About this lone working checklist
Lone working is one of those areas where people end up relying on judgement, memory, and “it’ll probably be fine”. This lone working checklist replaces guesswork with clear steps: what to check before you start, what to monitor while you work, when to escalate, and how to close out safely.
Use it for early and late shifts, single-person site cover, call-outs, store opens and closes, or any task where you’re working without immediate support.
What this lone working checklist covers
- Preparation checks (comms, access, PPE, risk review)
- On-arrival environment checks
- In-process checks (check-ins, changing conditions, staying within scope)
- Escalation and stop-work criteria (clear triggers, not vague guidance)
- Close-out actions (secure the site, log issues, confirm you’re safe)
When to use it
If the task has higher risk (working at height, manual handling, unknown locations, lone closing, or public-facing conflict risk), run the checklist every time. For low-risk routine work, it still gives you a consistent check-in rhythm and a simple way to record that the basics were covered.
How to run the checklist without slowing people down
- Make check-ins non-negotiable — pick a frequency, stick to it, and agree what happens if one is missed.
- Write down what changed — a two-line note about a new hazard is often enough to prevent repeat incidents.
- Use stop-work criteria — lone working is a choice, not a default. If you cannot control the risk, you stop and escalate.
What good looks like
You finish the shift with a clear audit trail: the risks were reviewed, check-ins happened, anything unusual was captured, and close-out confirmed you’re safely off site. That’s how you stop guessing and start knowing — not just that the work got done, but that it was done safely.
Want to run lone working checks digitally?
Ocasta turns lone working checks into consistent, trackable routines across every site and shift. You can standardise questions, capture issues in the moment, and see where lone working risk is rising — before it becomes an incident.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, health and safety, or professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and internal policies.
Included questions
Here's what's included in this lone working checklist:
Before you start (preparation) (14)
Set yourself up to work safely and reduce guesswork before you’re on your own.
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Text
What time are you starting lone working?
Use local time (e.g. 07:00).
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Text
What time do you expect to finish?
If unsure, give your best estimate and update if it changes.
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Yes/No
Is your location confirmed and correct?
Include site address, access point, and any restricted areas.
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Yes/No
Have you reviewed the lone working risk assessment for this task and location?
If anything has changed since the last visit (layout, access, local risks), treat it as a new risk review.
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Yes/No
Is the task scope clear and within your competence and authorisation?
If it’s new, complex, or safety-critical, pause and confirm the plan before starting.
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Yes/No
Do you have the required PPE and is it in good condition?
Check fit, damage, expiry (where relevant), and that you have spares if needed.
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Yes/No
Are your tools and equipment safe, suitable, and checked?
Look for damage, missing guards, low battery, or overdue inspection tags.
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Percentage
Phone battery level before starting
Aim for enough charge to last the shift. If low, charge before you begin or carry a power bank.
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Dropdown
What’s the mobile signal like at your working area?
If signal is poor, agree an alternative check-in method before you start.
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Yes/No
Do you have the right emergency contacts to hand?
Include line manager/on-call, site contact (if applicable), and emergency services number.
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Person
Who is your check-in contact for this shift?
Pick the person responsible for monitoring your check-ins and escalating if you miss one.
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Dropdown
What check-in frequency is agreed?
Choose the frequency agreed for this task and risk level.
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Yes/No
Is your travel plan confirmed and safe?
Include route, parking, lighting, and whether you’re arriving or leaving in the dark.
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Yes/No
Do you know the access and exit routes, including emergency exits?
Know how you’ll leave quickly if you need to.
On arrival (site and environment checks) (7)
Confirm the environment is safe before committing to the work.
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Text
Arrival time logged
Record the time you arrived on site.
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Vibe
How safe does the area feel right now?
Trust your judgement. If it feels wrong, pause and escalate.
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Yes/No
Have you identified and controlled obvious hazards?
Think slips/trips, traffic, lighting, aggressive dogs, unsecured areas, or unstable surfaces.
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Yes/No
Is the working area adequately lit?
If not, use suitable lighting or reschedule if safe working can’t be achieved.
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Yes/No
Are doors, gates, and access points secure while you work?
Where appropriate, prevent unauthorised access without blocking your own exit route.
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Yes/No
Do you know where first aid and emergency information is (or what you’re carrying)?
Include first aid kit, AED location (if applicable), and site emergency procedures.
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Yes/No
Initial check-in completed with your check-in contact
Confirm you’re on site and starting work.
During the work (in-process checks) (7)
Keep control of risk while you’re working alone — especially when conditions change.
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Yes/No
Have you completed check-ins on time so far?
If you’re about to miss one, message your check-in contact before the deadline.
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Yes/No
Has the work stayed within the agreed scope?
If the job expands, stop and confirm the new plan and risks before continuing.
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Yes/No
Have any new hazards appeared since you started?
Examples: people nearby, weather change, equipment fault, restricted access, or escalating behaviour.
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Text
If yes, what changed and what control did you put in place?
Be specific. This creates an audit trail and helps prevent repeat issues.
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Yes/No
Are manual handling tasks being done safely?
If it’s too heavy, awkward, or needs two people, stop and arrange support.
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Yes/No
Does the task involve working at height?
If yes, ensure you’re following the approved method and equipment checks.
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Yes/No
Has anything made lone working unsuitable right now?
If yes, stop work and escalate. Lone working is a choice — not a default.
Escalation and stop-work criteria (7)
Clear triggers for when to pause, leave, or call for support.
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Yes/No
Is there any immediate danger to you or others?
If yes: stop, move to safety, and call emergency services if needed.
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Yes/No
Have you experienced threatening, aggressive, or unwanted behaviour?
If yes: leave the area if safe to do so and escalate immediately.
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Yes/No
Are you unwell, injured, or too fatigued to work safely?
If yes: stop work and escalate. Pushing through creates avoidable incidents.
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Yes/No
Have you lost the ability to communicate (no signal / phone failure)?
If yes: follow the agreed no-comms plan and relocate if safe.
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Yes/No
Are you unable to control the risk with the tools, time, and support available?
If yes: stop work and escalate. Don’t improvise with safety.
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Dropdown
If you escalated, what action did you take?
Choose the best match. Add detail in the notes question.
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Text
Escalation notes
What happened, when, and what you did next. Keep it factual.
Close-out (finish and sign-off) (6)
End the shift cleanly — confirm you’re safe, the site is secure, and follow-ups are logged.
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Dropdown
Work status at close-out
Be honest. Partial completion is fine if it’s controlled and recorded.
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Yes/No
Have you left the site safe and secure?
Remove hazards you introduced, secure access points where required, and store equipment safely.
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Yes/No
Have any issues, near misses, or hazards been logged?
If something nearly happened, it’s worth capturing. That’s how we stop guessing next time.
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Yes/No
Have follow-up actions been created and assigned?
Include maintenance requests, additional support, or a return visit with two-person working if needed.
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Yes/No
Final check-out completed with your check-in contact
Confirm you’ve finished and you’re safely off site (or safely at your next location).
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Signature
Signature
Sign to confirm this lone working checklist has been completed accurately.