Defining a ‘Lone-Worker’ and the Legislation, Policies and Standards Put in Place to Protect Them

With more and more individuals being designated as a ‘lone-worker’ in recent times, it is of utmost importance to be aware of and do all we can to mitigate risks. The people of the workforce and their safety needs to be prioritized not only for the employer's benefit of increasing productivity and cutting costs, but for the purpose of saving lives.

What is a Lone Worker?

An "alone worker" or "lone worker" is an employee who performs their job in isolation from others, without direct supervision or the ability to be seen or heard by colleagues or other people. This can occur in various industries and roles, such as a construction worker in a remote location, a receptionist in an office, a utility worker in the field, or an oil and gas worker operating in isolated areas. Lone workers often face unique risks and challenges because they may not have immediate help or support in case of emergencies. Proper safety protocols and communication systems are essential for their protection. 

It might be surprising for many to find out that even as hybrid employees, when working remotely, they are a ‘lone worker’. Furthermore, when in an office environment, if the worker cannot be seen or heard by a fellow employee, they are considered ‘alone’. We have seen a great increase in this type of model of work post-pandemic, with many companies transforming to accommodate the new status-quo. Unfortunately, safety standards continue to fall behind. Workers being on their own brings with it freedom and flexibility, however, it also brings particular vulnerabilities. 

Challenges in Compliance with Safety Regulations

Did you know that lone workers are twice as likely to face life-threatening situations without immediate assistance? In North America, lone worker safety laws vary by region, but all aim to protect employees working in isolation from potential risks. In Canada, each province has specific Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation addressing the safety of lone workers. For example, British Columbiaʼs Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 4.21 requires employers to establish written procedures for checking on lone workers, ensure regular communication, and provide emergency response plans. Albertaʼs Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 28 mandates hazard assessments and the implementation of effective communication systems, such as periodic check-ins or electronic monitoring. Ontarioʼs Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 25 requires employers to take every reasonable precaution to protect lone workers, including providing training and developing emergency procedures. In Manitoba, the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, M.R. 217/2006 specifically mandates that employers identify and control hazards for isolated workers and establish regular communication protocols. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have specific lone worker regulations, but its general duty clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to provide a safe work environment, which includes addressing the risks lone workers may face. Both countries emphasize the importance of employer responsibility in safeguarding workers who operate in isolation. However, many organizations are still catching up with the necessary regulations, leaving gaps in protection for these at-risk workers. 

The amount of personal and relatable experiences of people involving workplace accidents is staggering. It is clear the employers must ensure better compliance with these rules to avoid catastrophes. They have a great responsibility to the people that make their company thrive. 

New Safety Standards Evolution: The Need for Standardized Lone Worker Protection

There were no federal laws in Canada specifically designed to protect lone workers until the introduction of Bill C-45 (also known as the Westray Bill) in 2004. This legislation imposed ongoing workplace health and safety duties on employers, including penalties for violations. However, the enforcement of these laws is largely reactive, only coming into play when violations result in injury or death. The language used, such as “taking reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm,” adds a level of subjectivity where clear, defined actions and restrictions should be. Today, the rise of technology is helping address some of these concerns. Employers are now implementing digital "fitness-for-duty" checklists and streamlining incident reporting through digital platforms, making safety management easier and more efficient. Real-time monitoring technologies, such as GPS tracking and wearable devices, are enabling immediate responses to emergencies, significantly improving lone worker safety. However, challenges remain, such as fatigue management, which still depends heavily on understanding an individualʼs usual behavior patterns. Integrating predictive technologies that analyze workers' physical and mental state in real-time could help address these gaps.

Multiple provinces in Canada remain to have absolutely no safety regulations that cater specifically to lone workers, including Ontario. This is especially concerning as it is the most populous province in all of Canada, posing serious risks to more lone-workers. A deep integration and understanding of the rules and regulations as well as a constant aim to improve will be key to ensure a safe workplace. 

Future Outlook: Solutions for Safer Lone Workers

As the workforce continues to evolve, the need for standardized lone worker protection becomes more apparent. Current regulations are not always sufficient, and many workers still face dangerous situations without proper safety measures in place. At Level Up Safety Technology, we offer comprehensive solutions designed to close these gaps. Our advanced technologies include real-time communication tools, GPS tracking, and wearable devices that allow for proactive safety management. For example, our devices can detect falls, track workersʼ locations, and monitor their vitals, ensuring that immediate assistance is provided when needed. In addition, digital tools for storing incident records and implementing fitness-for-duty checklists have shown to greatly enhance safety protocols and compliance with OHS regulations. By investing in these technologies, employers can safeguard their lone workers more effectively, reducing the risks associated with working alone.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Employers must take immediate action to protect their lone workers. Relying on outdated methods is no longer enough. Companies should conduct an audit of their current lone worker safety policies and explore the latest technologies to enhance worker safety. Donʼt wait until itʼs too late—take the proactive steps to ensure your lone workersʼ safety and keep your workforce protected today.