Do I need to complete a risk assessment before allowing my staff to work alone in Australia?
Yes. Australian WHS legislation requires employers to assess risks before deploying workers in hazardous situations[cite: 545]. Working alone is a recognised hazard requiring documented assessment [cite: 546].
Risk Assessment Is the Starting Point
Employers must identify hazards specific to the role and location, documenting controls to manage them[cite: 549]. Investigators will ask for this assessment first in the event of an incident [cite: 551].
What Your Lone Worker Risk Assessment Must Cover
- Specific tasks and environments [cite: 553]
- Hazards unique to working alone (inability to get help) [cite: 554]
- Adequacy of existing controls [cite: 555]
- Monitoring methods and escalation [cite: 556]
- Review triggers [cite: 557]
Guardian Angel Safety provides a framework aligned with SafeWork Australia guidance[cite: 559].