Field Staff Lone Worker Check-In Audit

Verifies that staff conducting solo home visits or street outreach have a documented check-in cadence, route plan, and emergency contact. Used by program supervisors to confirm lone worker safety protocols are in place and followed per OSHA and industry best practices.

Audit & Worker Identification

• Supervisor conducting this audit
  Full name and title of the supervisor completing this check-in audit.
• Field staff member being audited
  Full name of the lone worker whose protocols are being reviewed.
• Date and time of audit
  Record the exact date and time this audit is being conducted.
• Assignment type for this shift
  Select the type of solo field work the worker is conducting today.
• Program or department
  Name of the program or department the field worker is assigned to.

Route Plan & Assignment Documentation

• Written route plan or visit schedule submitted before departure
  Worker has provided a documented list of addresses, sites, or geographic areas to be visited, in order, prior to leaving the office or starting the shift.
• Route plan includes full addresses or GPS coordinates for each stop
  Each visit location is identified with enough specificity (street address, unit number, or GPS coordinates) for emergency services to respond.
• Estimated time at each location is documented
  Route plan includes approximate start and end times for each stop so deviations from schedule can be detected.
• Route plan includes expected return time or end-of-shift time
  A clear end-of-shift or return time is documented so the supervisor knows when to initiate a welfare check if no check-in is received.
• Route plan is accessible to at least one other staff member or supervisor
  A copy of the route plan is held by the supervisor, a designated colleague, or stored in a shared system — not only on the worker's personal device.

Check-In Cadence & Communication Protocol

• A defined check-in interval is documented for this shift
  The program has a written policy or the supervisor has assigned a specific check-in frequency (e.g., every 60 minutes, after each visit, at defined waypoints).
• Check-in interval (minutes)
  Record the maximum number of minutes between required check-ins for this shift. Best practice is ≤60 minutes for standard outreach; ≤30 minutes for high-risk environments.
• Worker can clearly state the check-in procedure when asked
  Supervisor verbally confirms the worker knows: (1) how to check in, (2) how often, and (3) what to do if they cannot check in as scheduled.
• Check-in method is documented
  The method used for check-ins is specified and agreed upon.
• Escalation procedure is documented if a check-in is missed
  There is a written protocol specifying what steps the supervisor or designated contact will take if the worker misses a scheduled check-in (e.g., attempt callback within X minutes, contact emergency services after Y minutes of no response).
• Worker has completed at least one check-in during today's shift (if shift is in progress)
  If the shift has already begun, confirm the worker has checked in at least once per the defined schedule. Mark N/A if audit is pre-shift.

Emergency Contact & Distress Signaling

• Worker has a designated emergency contact on file for this shift
  A named individual (supervisor, colleague, or personal emergency contact) is documented and reachable during the worker's shift hours.
• Emergency contact phone number is current and verified within the last 30 days
  The emergency contact number on file has been confirmed active and correct within the past 30 days.
• Worker knows the distress / duress signal or code word
  The program has a defined duress signal (code word, app panic button, or agreed phrase) that the worker can use to silently signal danger during a phone check-in.
• Worker knows to call 911 first in an immediate life-safety emergency
  Worker can confirm they understand that 911 is the first call in any immediate threat situation, before contacting the supervisor.
• Supervisor or backup contact is reachable during the entire duration of the worker's shift
  The designated supervisor or backup contact is confirmed available (not in meetings, travel, or off-site without coverage) for the full duration of the worker's shift.

Communication Device Readiness

• Worker has a fully charged mobile phone or communication device at shift start
  Device battery is at or above 80% at the start of the shift, or a charger/power bank is carried.
• Mobile device has cellular signal or data coverage for the planned route
  Worker and supervisor have confirmed that the planned route has adequate cellular coverage. If dead zones exist, an alternative check-in method is identified.
• Supervisor's and emergency contact's numbers are saved in the worker's device
  Worker does not rely solely on memory; all critical numbers are stored in the device contacts.
• Backup communication method available if primary device fails
  Worker has access to a secondary method (e.g., second phone, radio, known landline at a visit site) if the primary device is lost, stolen, or out of battery.
• Lone worker app or GPS tracking enabled (if program policy requires)
  If the program uses a lone worker app (e.g., StaySafe, SafeZone, or equivalent), confirm it is installed, logged in, and location sharing is active.

Personal Safety Preparedness & Risk Assessment

• Worker has reviewed any known risk flags for today's clients or locations
  Worker has checked case notes, client history, or neighborhood risk data for any prior incidents of aggression, unsafe conditions, or other hazards at today's visit sites.
• Risk level assigned to today's assignment
  Supervisor and worker agree on the overall risk level for today's shift based on client profiles, locations, and environmental factors.
• High-risk assignments have a modified check-in interval of ≤30 minutes
  If today's risk level is 'High' or 'Critical', the check-in interval has been reduced to no more than 30 minutes per shift. Mark N/A if risk level is Low or Medium.
• Worker knows the de-escalation and exit protocol for unsafe situations
  Worker can describe the steps to safely exit a visit if a client or environment becomes threatening (e.g., verbal de-escalation, excuse to leave, do not re-enter).
• Required PPE or safety equipment is present and in serviceable condition
  Any PPE required by program policy (e.g., gloves, N95 mask for health workers, personal alarm, ID badge) is present, undamaged, and ready for use.

Supervisor Sign-Off & Corrective Actions

• All critical deficiencies identified in this audit have been resolved before worker departure
  If any critical item was marked 'No' during this audit, confirm that corrective action has been taken and the item is now compliant before the worker is cleared to depart.
• Non-critical deficiencies noted and corrective actions assigned
  List any non-critical items that were deficient, the corrective action assigned, and the responsible person and due date.
• Worker is cleared to proceed with today's field assignment
  Supervisor confirms the worker has met all critical safety requirements and is authorized to begin the shift.
• Overall lone worker safety protocol compliance rating for this worker
  Supervisor's holistic assessment of the worker's lone worker safety readiness based on this audit.
• Supervisor signature
  Supervisor signature confirming this audit was conducted and findings are accurate.
• Additional notes or observations
  Any additional context, observations, or follow-up items not captured elsewhere in this audit.