Lesson 4 -Travel, Arrival and Check-In Procedures

Lesson overview

This lesson covers safe travel, arrival assessment and the communication arrangements used to monitor lone workers.

Lesson content

4.1 Travelling safely

Employees should:

• Plan the route before leaving.
• Check parking and access arrangements.
• Avoid isolated parking areas where reasonably possible.
• Keep sufficient fuel or vehicle charge.
• Inform the office about significant delays or route changes.
• Avoid using a mobile telephone while driving.
• Keep keys accessible without displaying the property address.

4.2 Parking and exit routes

Where possible:

• Park in a well-lit, accessible location.
• Face the vehicle towards the anticipated exit.
• Avoid being blocked in.
• Do not allow an attendee to dictate an unsafe parking location.
• Keep the route back to the vehicle in mind.
• Avoid parking somewhere that requires walking through an isolated area.

4.3 Arrival assessment

Before entering, consider:

• Does the address match the appointment?
• Is the expected attendee present?
• Are unexpected people or vehicles present?
• Are there signs of forced entry or criminal activity?
• Is the building visibly unsafe?
• Is there adequate lighting?
• Does the situation feel materially different from what was expected?

If the conditions are unsafe or cannot be verified, remain in a safe location and contact the office.

4.4 Check-in and check-out arrangements

Employees should follow MyEstate’s procedure for:

• Confirming arrival.
• Confirming entry where required.
• Checking in at the agreed time.
• Reporting delays or appointment changes.
• Confirming departure.
• Closing the appointment on the system.

HSE guidance states that employers should maintain contact with lone workers and establish how they will respond when contact cannot be made.

4.5 Missed check-ins

MyEstate’s procedure should specify:

1. Who attempts to contact the employee.
2. How many attempts are made.
3. When the manager or emergency contact is informed.
4. When emergency services should be contacted.
5. What information should be provided.

A missed check-in should never be ignored or casually cleared without confirming the employee’s safety.