Working alone

Last checked: October 2026

Working alone

Working alone or in isolation can create physical and psychological health and safety risks. This includes situations where timely assistance may not be available in an emergency or access to work-related support is limited.

Before working alone, identify and control the risks, confirm communication and emergency arrangements, and obtain supervisor approval where required.

Activities with a high or extreme residual risk, and activities prohibited by the requirements, must not be undertaken alone.

Requirements

Working alone requirements

These requirements explain risk assessment, approval, controls, check-in and escalation arrangements, emergency response and responsibilities. They also explain when existing fieldwork, travel, home-working or student-area arrangements can satisfy the requirements without a separate working-alone approval.

Approval form

Working alone approval form

Where separate approval is required, complete this form with the person undertaking the activity and obtain supervisor approval before work starts. Use it to record the activity, assessment reference, controls, any required check-in plan, emergency arrangements and approval period. An equivalent documented process may be used if it captures the same information.