Is it legal for an employee to work alone?

There is no specific legal prohibition on working alone, but the general legal duties of employers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) still apply. Establishing safe working conditions for lone workers is no different from organising the safety of other employees.

What is the employer’s responsibility regarding employees working alone?

Employers are obligated to keep workers safe. 25(2)(h) they must do this by taking reasonable precautions for safety. This means that employers who have workers that work alone must take special precautions to keep those workers safe.

What constitutes working alone?

What is meant by working alone? A person is “alone” at work when they are on their own; when they cannot be seen or heard by another person. It is important to consider all situations carefully. Working alone includes all workers who may go for a period of time where they do not have direct contact with a co-worker.

Is it illegal to work alone in BC?

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires all B.C. employers to establish check-in and other procedures to protect employees working alone or in isolation, whether in the field or in an office. The ministry may determine what check-in procedure meets both operational and occupational safety requirements.

What does it mean to be working alone in a workplace?

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 53 53.1 In this Part, “working alone” means a worker working at a workplace who is the only worker of the employer at that workplace, in circumstances where assistance is not readily available to the worker in the event of injury, ill health or emergency.

When do you have a code of practice for working alone?

WorkSafeNB considers an employee is working alone when they are the employer’s only employee at the workplace and working in circumstances where help is not readily available in the event of an injury, ill health or emergency. A code of practice for working alone provides guidelines and procedures for such situations.

Is it safe to work alone in isolation?

Lone workers must be able to get assistance if they are injured or there is an emergency. See our resources for information on ensuring the health and safety of lone workers. This handbook is for employers who have employees working alone or in isolation.

Where can I get workers’compensation If I have no employees?

For sole proprietors who wish to be covered by workers’ compensation, but who have no employees, sometimes the State Worker’s Insurance Fund is the only place to find coverage. Be warned, this is usually the most expensive place to buy.