Skip to content
{notification.title}
{notification.description}

Working alone

Employers should eliminate or reduce tasks where working alone is required. If working alone is unavoidable, always use a buddy system to check in with the worker whenever possible.

An employer must identify risks to the worker when working alone and develop a safe work procedure in consultation with the worker. The employer must also set up a communication system that involves using a reliable communication device to monitor the worker’s safety and consider how frequently the worker should be monitored, given the risks involved.

Emergency situations should be considered when identifying risks to the worker and the control measures that should be in place.

The employer is responsible for providing information, instruction and training to ensure the worker’s safety, health and welfare as far as is reasonably practicable.

Legislation

The employer must comply with the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation. Part 9 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation applies to working alone or in isolation.

Employer responsibilities for workers who are working alone:

  • Provide safe equipment, tools and training on how to use the equipment and tools safely.
  • Assign competent supervision to monitor the worker’s safety, health and welfare.
  • Identify risks in the job tasks and provide controls for each of the risks.
  • Develop a working-alone plan in consultation with the worker or safety and health committee (or the safety and health representatives if there is no committee).
  • Co-operate with Workplace Safety and Health Branch officers, who enforce the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Health Regulation.
  • Communicate to others, including prime contractors, contractors, tenants, landlords or others that may be affected by the work activity, that there will be a worker working alone.

The employer responsibilities listed is a summary of the main points. For further details of the topic, please see the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 9, and the Code of Practice for Workers Working Alone or in Isolation.

Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations are in place to protect the safety and health of workers in Manitoba. Below is a link to the regulation part associated with this safety topic.

Part 9 Working Alone or in Isolation Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation

Related links

Hazards and exposures topic list