BC working alone regulations: check-in rules for employers
In British Columbia, employers must have a written procedure for checking the well-being of anyone who works alone or in isolation. The rules sit in sections 4.20.1 to 4.23 of the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Who is working alone or in isolation in BC?
Working alone or in isolation means working in circumstances where help would not be readily available if the worker were injured, ill or in an emergency. Distance, time of day and the nature of the task all count, not only whether other people are in the building.
What the BC Regulation requires
- Identify hazards (section 4.20.2). Identify the hazards of working alone and take steps to eliminate or minimize them.
- Written check-in procedure (section 4.21). Set up a procedure for checking the worker's well-being, including the time intervals, the person responsible, and a check at the end of the shift.
- Consult on intervals. Set check-in intervals in consultation with the worker, based on the hazards of the task.
- Train workers (section 4.22). Train workers and the people who do the checks on the procedure.
- Late night retail (section 4.22.1). Extra requirements apply to late night retail premises.
- Review the procedure (section 4.23). Review it at least once a year, and sooner after an incident or a change in the work.
How OnGuard meets BC's requirements
| Requirement | How OnGuard covers it |
|---|---|
| Written check-in procedure | Check-in schedules and escalation contacts set in the admin dashboard, exportable for your written procedure |
| Set check-in intervals | Interval set per role or task, with reminders to the worker |
| A designated person responsible | Escalation contacts in order, with optional 24/7 monitoring |
| End-of-shift check | Geofence exit or a scheduled final check-in closes the shift |
| Response when a worker cannot call | Automatic fall, crash and idle detection |
| Annual review | Audit trail of every check-in and alert to support the review |
Simple to set up, easy to use
Your check-in procedure moves from a phone tree to an app your workers already know how to use. Apply for a free 30-day team pilot and run it with your own crews first.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should lone workers check in in BC?
WorkSafeBC expects intervals based on the hazard. Higher-risk work calls for shorter intervals, agreed with the worker.
Do I need an end-of-shift check in BC?
Yes. The procedure must include a check at the end of the work shift.
Does an app satisfy WorkSafeBC?
An app can carry your check-in procedure, as long as the written procedure, training and annual review are also in place.
Does OnGuard work for late night retail?
OnGuard supports panic alerts and check-ins for retail staff. Section 4.22.1 also sets other controls you need on site.
Source: WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation, Part 4. This page summarizes the rules for general guidance and is not legal advice.
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Fewer than 15 lone workers? Talk to our team. Questions? Call 1-855-289-5892.