It is especially important that employers put in place a health and safety working environment for employers who work on their own. There is no regulation that prohibits an employee from working alone, but there is an obligation on the employer to minimize the risks involved. The company’s risk assessment process should identify and put measures in place to counter risks affecting lone workers.

Am employer should assess the situations where employees work alone in light of the following questions: are there specific risks for a sole worker such as temporary access equipment?; can one person safely enter and exit the work site?; Is machinery involved that will be unsafe for a sole worker to operate?; Is the individual worker likely to be more vulnerable to hazards due to age or a medical condition?; Are chemicals or hazardous substances involved that may be especially dangerous for a lone worker?

If you are having to work alone on the job, protect yourself by performing a hazard check before you begin. Ask co-workers about possible work hazards. Report all potential hazards and near misses when you are working alone. Establish a check-in procedure where you have regular contact with a supervisor. Schedule high risk tasks to be done when you have at least one other worker to assist you.