What is covered in this document?
This OSH Answers document covers the administrative details needed for lone workers in general (check-in procedures and hazard assessment). Please see the related OSH Answers documents for more specific information on:
For more information on how to set up a violence prevention program, please see Violence and Harassment in the Workplace.
- context Handling money
- context Off-site
- context Working with patients
What are examples of high-risk activities?
High-risk activities can involve risks from a variety of sources, such as when working:
- context At heights.
- context In confined spaces (such as tanks, grain bins or elevators, culverts, etc.).
- context With electricity or other forms of hazardous energy.
- context With hazardous products.
- context With hazardous equipment such as chainsaws or firearms.
- context With the public, where there is a potential for violence.
What can be done to help a lone worker stay safe?
Check the regulations in your area. Some jurisdictions have specific laws concerning working alone.
There are many steps that can be taken to help ensure the safety of the lone worker:
- context Avoid having a lone worker whenever possible, especially for jobs with a recognized risk.
- context Assess the hazards of your workplace.
- context Talk to workers about their work. Get their input about the work they do and possible solutions.
- context Investigate incidents at your workplace, and learn from incidents in similar workplaces.
- context Take corrective action to prevent or minimize the potential risks of working alone.
- context Provide appropriate training and education to both the lone worker and the person tasked to respond if there is concern.
- context Report all situations, incidents or 'near misses' where being alone increased the severity of the situation. Analyze this information and make changes to the company policy where necessary.
- context Establish a check-in procedure. Make sure that regular contact is kept with all workers. Establish ways to account for people (visually or verbally) while they are working.
- context Schedule higher risk tasks to be done during normal business hours, or when another worker capable of helping in an emergency is present.
What is an example of a check-in procedure?
It is important that a check-in procedure be in place. Decide if a verbal or real-time (e.g., texting)check-in is adequate, or if the worker must be accounted for by a visual check. Make sure your plan is appropriate for both regular business hours as well as outside core hours.
For most lone workers, the telephone will be the main source of contact. When using cell phones, always be sure that it is close by and charged. If cell phone service is unreliable in your area, be sure to have alternative methods of communication available (such as the use of cameras, automated warning/duress devices, global positioning systems (GPSs), two-way radio, site visits, or satellite technology).
When travelling out of the main location, the main contact person should know the following details:
An example of a check-in procedure is:
(Adapted from CCOHS Violence in the Workplace Prevention Guide)
- context Destination and intended route.
- context Estimated time of arrival.
- context Return time or date.
- context Contact information.
- context Mode of travel (public transit, car, plane, etc.).
- context Alternate plans in the event of bad weather, traffic problems, etc.
- context Prepare a daily work plan so it is known where the lone worker will be and when.
- context Identify one main person to be the contact at the office, plus a backup.
- context Define under what circumstances the lone worker will check in and how often.
- context Stick to the visual check or call-in schedule. You may wish to have a written log of contact.
- context Have the contact person call or visit the lone worker periodically to make sure they are okay, where possible
- context Pick out a code word to be used to identify or confirm that help is needed.
- context Develop an emergency plan to be followed if the lone worker does not check in when they are supposed to.
- context The contact person must know when and how to activate the emergency plan.
What are some factors to consider when assessing the workplace or situations?
The following are some points to consider. Each circumstance will be different, so be sure to adapt the questions to suit your situation.
Length of time the person will be working alone:
Communication:
Location of the work:
Type or nature of work:
Characteristics required by the individual who is working alone
(questions adapted from: Government of Western Australia, 2024 "Guidance Note: Working Alone")
- context What is a reasonable length of time for the person to be alone?
- context Is it reasonable for the person to be alone at all?
- context How long will the person be alone to finish the job?
- context Is it legal for the person to be alone while doing certain activities? (For example: some jurisdictions may restrict working alone in a confined space, or during lock-out / tag-out operations).
- context What time of the day will the person be alone?
- context What forms of communication are available?
- context Is it necessary to "see" the person, or is voice or text communication adequate?
- context Will emergency communication systems work properly in all situations?
- context If the communication systems are located in a vehicle, do you need alternative arrangements to cover the person when they are away from the vehicle?
- context Is the work in a remote or isolated location? (Remember that a remote location does not have to be far away. Storage rooms that are rarely used can be considered remote or isolated.)
- context Is transportation necessary to get there? What kind of transportation is needed? What route will be used?
- context Is the area or vehicle equipped with emergency supplies such as food and drinking water, as well as a first aid kit?
- context Will the person need to carry some or all of the emergency supplies with them when they leave the vehicle?
- context Does the person need training to be able to use the first aid equipment?
- context What are the consequences if the vehicle breaks down?
- context Will the person have to leave the vehicle for long periods of time?
- context Is there adequate education and training provided for the person to be able to work alone safely?
- context Is there adequate education and training provided for the person who is responding?
- context Is there adequate personal protective equipment available, if needed? Is it in good working order?
- context What machinery, tools or equipment will be used?
- context Is there a high-risk activity involved?
- context Is fatigue likely to be a factor?
- context Are there extremes of temperature?
- context Is there a risk of an animal attack, insect bite (poisonous or allergic reaction), etc.?
- context If the person is working inside a locked building, how will emergency services be able to get in? (For example: a night cleaner in a secure office building)
- context Does the work involve working with money or other valuables?
- context Does the work involve seizing property or goods (such as repossession, recovering stolen property, etc)?
- context Are there any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk?
- context Does the person have adequate levels of experience and training? (For example: first aid, communication systems repair, vehicle breakdowns, relevant administrative procedures, or outdoor survival?)