Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Working Alone is designed to identify, control, and minimise the unique risks faced by lone and isolated workers on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that consolidates multiple aspects of working in isolation to support strong WHS compliance and effective risk management for after-hours and remote work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Establishing clear lone worker procedures for routine and non-routine tasks
• Managing safety protocols for working after hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays
• Responding safely to late-night calls or visits from clients, tenants, or members of the public
• Planning and managing travel to and from properties alone, including route planning and check-in requirements
• Working in isolation in remote, rural, or low-traffic locations where help may be delayed
• Communication systems for lone workers, including mobile phones, duress alarms, and scheduled contact procedures
• Assessment of client, tenant, or public behaviour risks, including aggression, violence, or unpredictable conduct
• Securing entry and exit points when attending properties or sites alone
• Emergency response planning for medical incidents, personal threats, and vehicle breakdowns while working alone
• Fatigue management for workers undertaking extended hours, shift work, or late-night duties alone
• Psychosocial risk controls, including stress, anxiety, and mental health considerations for isolated workers
• Incident reporting, near-miss recording, and review of lone worker procedures to drive continuous improvement

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for community workers, real estate and property managers, security personnel, field service technicians, health and aged care workers, and site supervisors responsible for staff who work alone or in isolation.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing safe work environments, amenities, and emergency plans for lone workers
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for working alone
• Managing the Risk of Violence and Aggression in Healthcare and Community Service Settings (where applicable): Guidance for workers attending clients or patients alone
• Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice: Controls for stress, isolation, and other psychosocial risks associated with working alone
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Working Alone: Industry guidance on planning, communication, and emergency response for lone workers