Lone working checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Risk assessment

Lone working is covered in the risk assessment for this task and location. WSH (Risk Management) Regs
Task checked against the list of jobs that need a second person.
Worker's experience, health and language checked for working alone.
Written limits on what the worker may not do alone, given to the worker.

02The worker

Worker trained in the task and has done it with supervision before. WSH Act
Worker trained in the contact system and the emergency steps.
Worker knows they may stop work and leave if it feels unsafe.
First aid kit available, and worker knows basic first aid.

03Contact and alarm

Phone, radio or alarm device issued, charged and tested at the actual work location.
Signal or coverage checked in basements, plant rooms and remote corners.
Check-in times agreed and written down, with the interval set by the risk.
A named person watches for each check-in and has the worker's location.
Code word agreed for raising a silent alarm.

04Emergency response

Written steps for a missed check-in, with times for each step. WSH Act
Responder knows the site, the access route and where the keys are.
Emergency numbers and site address posted at the work location.
Escalation chain tested on a real shift in the last six months.

05Place and equipment

Safe way in and out for one person, with lighting along the route.
Doors cannot lock the worker in.
Life jacket worn where the worker could fall into water. WSH (General Provisions) Regs
Lifting aids in place so no load needs two people.

06End of shift

Worker signs out or calls in when the job is finished.
Supervisor confirms every lone worker has left the site before closing the log.

Legal requirement

Singapore has no separate lone working law. Under the WSH Act and the Risk Management Regulations, employers must assess the risks of all work, including work done alone, set up emergency systems, and give enough instruction, training and supervision. Confined space work always needs an attendant outside.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Lone working checklist

01Risk assessment

02The worker

03Contact and alarm

04Emergency response

05Place and equipment

06End of shift

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Lone and remote working: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: working alone

How to report a workplace accident in Bangladesh