Ensuring Safety - Working Alone

When employees work alone, they are often isolated from communication with other people. Because of this, employees working alone are at an increased risk of injury and death. The standards at 29 CFR 1915.84 address the hazards associated with this situation.

These rules require the employer to account for each worker present in a confined space or isolated location. This can be achieved by maintaining periodic sight or verbal communication throughout the work shift.

The interval or frequency with which an employee must be checked varies according to the specific job being performed. In general, a brief task will require only limited checking, but a longer task taking place in a more remote area will require numerous checks.

Acceptable means of visual communication include cameras or in-person checks. Two-way radios, intercom systems, or in-person verbal communication is also acceptable. The use of cell phones is allowed for this purpose only if the employer can demonstrate that reception will be available throughout the location and duration of the job.

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