It should be made clear to all parties at the outset who is in charge of the group in any given circumstance. The level of supervision should be set after carrying out the risk assessment. However, as a guide the CVCP Code suggests that in reasonably rugged countryside in summer the number of inexperienced participants per experienced supervisor must not exceed 10. Each party must contain at least two experienced supervisors. Expeditions - Participants must be experienced or have received substantial training in work techniques and safety procedures.
Lone workers are generally postgraduates or final year undergraduate students.
The worker must be involved in the planning and risk assessment process and should be made aware that, although they may be working alone, they are being supervised by a member of academic staff who must take responsibility for his or her safety. The establishment of an effective means of communication is important. It is essential that a supervisor can determine the whereabouts of a lone worker and that the department has developed a contingency plan which can be implemented in the event of failure to make contact. As a minimum, lone workers must advise the supervisor of their departure, the nature of the work they are about to undertake and an estimated time of return. In addition, they must advise the supervisor of their return.