High-risk lone work: why employers must rethink lone worker safety 

It was supposed to be a routine maintenance job. A field technician made their way to a remote facility to troubleshoot a system failure alone. There was no backup, no immediate line of communication. They faced electrical exposure, fall hazards, intense heat, and flammable materials, with no one nearby if things went wrong. This is the daily reality for millions of lone workers.

Across North America, an estimated 35 million people work alone, across virtually every industry. Lone workers face unique challenges because of their relative isolation during work. When they face serious injuries or fatal incidents (SIFs), the consequences are often compounded by the lack of immediate assistance. 

This article unpacks the risks of high-risk lone work, outlines current regulations, and shares best practices employers can implement to strengthen lone worker safety, from policies and training to monitoring technologies.

Table of contents

Click on a specific section below to navigate to that area:

• 1. What is lone work?
• 2. Why lone work can be high risk
• 3. Regulations on lone work
• 4. Building a lone worker safety programme
• 5. Lone worker monitoring & technology
• 6. Training & competency for lone workers 
• 7. Prohibited high-risk lone work tasks
• 8. Key takeaways for employers
• 9. Lone working FAQs

1. What is lone work? 

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), “A person is “alone” at work when they are on their own; when they cannot be seen or heard by another person.” 

This applies to a wide range of roles, from receptionists in isolated stations to field workers, cleaners, home care staff, and construction workers working out of sight and many more. Roughly 53 million lone workers span across North America and Europe, representing nearly 15% of the workforce. 

Lone working isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. It can range widely in complexity and danger. In general, it can be categorized into low-risk and high-risk situations, each requiring a different level of oversight and protection. 

Low-risk lone work (common examples) 

Typically occurs in controlled, predictable environments with minimal hazard exposure: 

• 1. Office work after hours
• 2. Remote administrative work (e.g., working from home)
• 3. Retail clerks in low-traffic locations (e.g., kiosks or ticket booths)
• 4. Routine janitorial or cleaning duties in public buildings
• 5. Receptionists or front-desk staff in isolated areas

High-risk lone work (common examples)

These jobs involve elevated physical risk, slower emergency response, and exposure to volatile environments, conditions where a solo incident can escalate quickly.  

 Examples of high-risk lone worker tasks include: 

• 1. Electrical repairs on energized systems 
• 2. Confined space entry (e.g., tanks, crawl spaces, vaults) 
• 3. Home care or social work visits in unpredictable client environments 
• 4. Work at height (ladders, roofs, scaffolding) 
• 5. Utility or field work in remote locations (e.g., gas, water, telecom) 

2. Why lone work can be high risk

Lone work introduces risks that go beyond the hazards of the job itself. When no one is nearby to assist, even minor incidents can spiral into emergencies. In high-risk settings, the absence of support, communication, or immediate response can turn a manageable situation into a life-threatening one. And this can happen in the blink of an eye.  

So, what are some of the most common working alone hazards, and why does lone working make them significantly more dangerous? 

Examples of working alone hazards

• Vehicle accidents: Lone drivers face increased danger when collisions or breakdowns occur without immediate assistance nearby. 
• Falls from height: A fall while working alone can delay rescue and drastically increase the risk of serious injury or death.
• Electrocution: Electrical contact during solo maintenance or repairs can be instantly fatal if no one is present to intervene.
• Heat stress: Lone workers exposed to high temperatures may not recognize symptoms early enough. Without monitoring, collapse can go unnoticed.
• Workplace violence: Those working alone, especially in public-facing roles, are more vulnerable to assault, robbery, or unpredictable behavior. 

Situations that increase in severity when alone

• Delayed emergency response
• Limited or failed communication
• Isolation leading to panic or incorrect decision-making
• Unwitnessed incidents
• Lack of backup for unpredictable working alone hazards

3. Regulations on lone work

Lone work is not illegal in the U.S., but employers have a duty under OSHA’s General Duty Clause to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. 

OSHA General Duty Clause and key working alone safety regulations 

• 1. 29 CFR 1910.120 (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response – HAZWOPER): An OSHA standard designed to protect workers who handle hazardous waste or respond to chemical spills/emergencies by requiring specialized safety training, emergency plans, and protective measures.
• 2. 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces): This rule requires employers to implement specific safety practices (including a permit system) to protect workers from the hazards of entering confined spaces that can be dangerous (e.g. spaces with toxic atmospheres or low oxygen).
• 3. 29 CFR 1915.84 (Working Alone in Shipyards): An OSHA regulation that mandates employers regularly check on any employee working alone (such as in a confined space or isolated area) and account for that worker at appropriate intervals and at shift’s end to ensure they remain.
• 4. 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection – Two-In/Two-Out for IDLH): Under this safety rule, whenever workers enter an environment that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), at least two employees must go in together and stay in contact, while at least two additional employees remain outside as a standby rescue team.
• 5. 29 CFR 1926.800 (Underground Construction): An OSHA construction standard that outlines safety requirements for building tunnels, shafts, and other underground works, focusing on special hazards like limited ventilation and lighting, difficult entry/exit, and the risks of fires, floods, or explosions in subterranean jobsite. 

Comparison with Canada, U.K., and Australia 

Canada: Canada lone worker legislation is generally more prescriptive than the U.S.  Lone worker rules in Canada vary by province, but most provinces require employers to conduct hazard assessments for work-alone situations and implement precautions like regular check-ins or monitoring systems and clear emergency procedures.

United Kingdom: In the UK, it is legal to work alone, but employers must first assess and control any health and safety risks before allowing lone working. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a broad duty to protect the safety of all employees and this covers lone workers just as much as any other staff. Supporting working alone safety regulations (like the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999) explicitly require employers to perform risk assessments and implement measures to safeguard lone workers.

Australia: Australia’s lone worker requirements are set at the state/territory level as part of Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Across all states, employers must have provisions to monitor and assist isolated workers – for instance, ensuring there is a way for a lone employee to communicate with someone and call for help in an emergency. Legally, companies need to establish emergency response plans and regular check-in procedures for lone workers, and they must provide training so that employees know how to work safely on their own

4. Building a lone worker safety programme 

Protecting lone workers takes more than good intentions. It demands a structured, proactive approach through lone worker protection programs. A Working Alone Safety Program (WASP) brings clarity and control to what can otherwise be unpredictable and high-risk situations. Here’s what every effective WASP should include. 

Core elements

• Hazard identification: Identify all potential hazards that lone workers might encounter in their work environment or tasks. A thorough hazard identification process often uncovers not only the obvious dangers but also hidden or less apparent risks that could threaten a lone worker’s safety.
• Risk assessment: For each hazard identified, conduct a risk assessment to evaluate how likely an incident is to occur and how severe the consequences could be. This systematic analysis helps prioritize which hazards require the most stringent controls, taking into account that being alone can make any incident more dangerous (since immediate help may not be available).
• Risk controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE): Implement effective measures to eliminate or reduce the risks. Follow the hierarchy of controls. Whenever possible, engineer out the hazard or substitute it with something safer; next, put administrative controls in place (such as safer work procedures, scheduling changes, or a buddy system for high-risk jobs) to minimize exposure; and finally provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense to protect the lone worker.
• Monitoring & supervision: Establish how you will oversee and stay connected with employees who work alone. The program should define an appropriate level of supervision based on the risk (higher-risk tasks or less-experienced workers require more frequent check-ins or visits) and include real-time monitoring protocols to track the worker’s well-being. For example, regular scheduled call-ins, electronic check-in systems, GPS location tracking, or alarm devices in case the worker cannot respond.
• Training & retraining: Ensure all lone workers (and the supervisors who may have to assist or monitor them) are well-trained to handle their duties and any emergencies that might arise. Initial lone worker safety training should cover safe work practices, how to use any lone-worker safety devices or apps, and emergency communication procedures. Regular retraining or refresher sessions (e.g. annually or when job conditions change) are critical so that workers keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
• Annual audits: Include a yearly review or audit of the lone worker safety program to verify that it’s effective. These audits check whether safety procedures and controls are being followed and actually protecting workers, and they help identify any gaps, new hazards, or areas for improvement. An annual audit is an opportunity to update the program based on incident reports or changes in the work environment, ensuring continuous improvement in lone worker safety.
• Prohibited Tasks: Clearly specify which high-risk tasks must never be done by a worker who is alone. Certain jobs that present a great danger if attempted solo (for instance, entering a permit-required confined space or handling highly hazardous materials without backup) should be flagged as off-limits for lone workers. The WASP should list these prohibited solo tasks explicitly, so everyone knows these activities require a partner or special precautions and are not allowed to be done unaccompanied. 

WASP essentials at a glance

• Lone worker definition and scope 
• Lone worker risk assessment checklist
• Prohibited jobs for lone workers 
• Real-time monitoring protocols 
• Lone worker safety devices and apps 
• Emergency communication procedures 
• Training requirements 
• Annual review and audits

5. Lone worker monitoring & technology 

Monitoring is essential to lone worker protection because it ensures help can be summoned quickly if something goes wrong. Lone workers rely on effective monitoring protocols to stay safe, which generally fall into two categories: scheduled check-in procedures and real-time monitoring using safety technology. The key difference is that check-in protocols depend on periodic manual updates from the worker, whereas real-time monitoring provides continuous oversight and immediate alerts in an emergency.  

Check-in protocols (scheduled monitoring) 

Check-in protocols are a basic approach to monitor lone workers at regular intervals. These are often manual check-ins by phone call, text message, or through an app that the worker uses to confirm they are safe. While this method is simple and can be effective if diligently followed, it has notable limitations. If an incident occurs between check-ins (i.e. a worker is injured or incapacitated right after their last call) supervisors might not realize something is wrong until the next scheduled check-in is missed. Check-ins depend on the worker being able to (and remembering to!) report in, so they’re not seen as a full solution for higher-risk work. 

Real-Time Monitoring and Safety Technology 

Real-time monitoring uses technology to keep constant or active watch over lone workers, enabling immediate alerts and rapid emergency response without waiting for the next check-in. Advances in lone worker technology and lone worker safety devices and apps provide a range of tools that go far beyond manual phone calls.  

Common types of lone worker safety technology include: 

• GPS Tracking Devices: Wearables or dedicated units log location so responders can get to the right spot fast.
• Smartphone Safety Apps: Turn a phone into a safety too with scheduled check-ins, live location sharing, timers, and an SOS button, often linked to a 24/7 response team.
• Fall/No-Motion Detection: “Man-down” sensors auto-alert if there’s a fall or the device stops moving. These are crucial when the worker can’t call for help.
• Panic Alarms (SOS Buttons): One press sends a distress signal and can open two-way audio for quick triage.

Case in point: Organizations that have adopted monitored lone worker devices report much faster interventions and better outcomes in emergencies. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) rolled out 30,000 personal safety monitoring devices to its lone worker staff (such as community nurses who often work in patients’ homes).  As a result, emergency response times were significantly reduced and lone workers felt safer knowing that backup was always just a button-press away. 

6. Training & competency for lone workers 

Lone workers can’t rely on a teammate to spot hazards, call for help, or double-check a decision. That means higher exposure to dynamic risks and tighter margins for error. Structured training and eLearning are essential. These build judgment, confidence, and know-how through repeatable, bite-size practice and scenario-based refreshers. Extra training helps workers act fast when communication is limited or conditions change. 

Examples of competencies 

• First aid: Basic life support, bleed control, recovery position, AED use, and knowing the limits of what to do alone.
• Situational awareness: Scanning environments, reading people and cues, dynamic risk assessment, safe approach/exit plans.
• Emergency procedures: Clear escalation paths, when and how to trigger SOS/duress, location sharing, and concise incident reporting. 
• Communication & reporting: Using check-ins, real-time apps, and concise incident reporting (what/where/when/who/action).
• Technology proficiency: GPS devices, panic alarms, fall/no-motion wearables and knowing how to test, wear, and troubleshoot. 

7. Prohibited high-risk lone work tasks 

Some tasks are simply too hazardous for a single person. One slip, and there’s no immediate backup. For these activities, a team, permits, and controls are non-negotiable. Employers should clearly prohibit lone work and enforce supervised, coordinated procedures. 

Jobs that should never be done alone

• Confined space entry (confined spaces) 
• Working at heights 
• Handling flammable gases or chemicals (flammable gases, hazardous chemicals) 
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures 
• Live electrical work / exposed electrical conductors 
• Firefighting or HazWOPER activities 
• Crane operations 
• Scaffolding erection/dismantling (scaffolding) 
• Tasks with elevated risk of workplace violence 

8. Key takeaways for employers

• Working alone is not always unsafe, but high-risk lone work is unacceptable. Know the difference and set clear boundaries.
• Employers should proactively implement WASPs rather than wait for regulatory action. Build a structured program that covers risk assessment, controls, monitoring, training, and periodic review.
• Safety programs reduce liability, downtime, and protect lives. Treat lone worker safety as an operational discipline, not a checkbox.
• Use monitoring appropriately. Check-ins are a baseline; real-time monitoring closes gaps and accelerates response.
• Train for lone work realities. Emphasize core competencies, reinforced through practical refreshers and eLearning.
• Define and enforce red lines. Some tasks should never be done alone. Make that policy explicit and consistent.
• Don’t just align with regulations, make sure you go beyond. Your program should set a higher, risk-based standard. 

9. Lone working Q&As