It is a requirement of Health and Safety legislation and a condition of YACWAG’s public liability insurance cover to have a Lone Working policy. Lone working can be defined as a person working by themselves without close or direct supervision. This policy applies to volunteers carrying out activities on behalf of YACWAG on their own outside their home.
Any volunteers likely to be working alone are required to refer to relevant risk assessments issued by YACWAG, BCT, BTO etc. for guidance. YACWAG’s Health and Safety Policy is especially relevant when considering Lone Working. Lone workers must adhere to the Reserves Access Policy which states that no dogs must be taken into YACWAG reserves.
YACWAG does not encourage volunteers to work alone.
Volunteers carrying out authorised YACWAG activities are required:
- to work with at least one other adult person wherever possible; and
- to familiarise themselves with YACWAG’s Health and Safety Policy, relevant risk assessments and Safeguarding Policy.
Volunteers should never work alone:
- on a public highway
- near a substantial water body
- using a ladder or climbing a tree or any similar height activity
- in a confined space
- in a dilapidated building
- with a child or a vulnerable adult
- in a reserve where cattle are present unless the volunteer is familiar with the animals or has received advice from the grazier
- in Littlewood during unfavourable weather conditions e.g. wind speeds greater than
- 10 mph due to the extra risk of injury from falling branches or trees
Any form of night activity for example a bat survey, should be carried out by two adult persons as a minimum i.e. a surveyor and a “buddy”.
There will be situations where it may be necessary for Reserve Wardens and members of the Land Management Sub Committee to work alone during daylight hours to undertake site inspections, meet contractors and liaise with members of other agencies. Many of our reserves are isolated places and near water bodies.
In all circumstances volunteers should:
- carry a charged mobile phone, and
- leave information with a member of their household or another person about their location, planned travel route, return times and instructions in case of late/ no return
- not challenge any persons trespassing on a YACWAG reserve.
Date Reviewed: October 2025
Next Review: October 2028