Working alone in Ontario: what the OHSA still expects
Ontario has no single working alone regulation. Employers still carry the general duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.
What applies in Ontario
- The general duty clause, section 25(2)(h) of the OHSA.
- Workplace violence and harassment duties, including risk assessment and procedures for summoning help, where lone workers deal with the public.
- Sector rules that touch lone work, such as confined spaces and construction projects.
A reasonable precaution you can show
A check-in and alert system with records gives clear evidence that the employer planned for lone work. OnGuard adds automatic fall, crash and idle detection for the moments a worker cannot call, and panic alerts for workers who deal with the public.
Simple to set up, easy to use
Push the app to company phones through your MDM, set your geofences and escalation contacts, and your team is protected the same day. Workers carry the phone they already have. No hardware to buy. Start with a free 30-day team pilot.
See the features
Frequently asked questions
Is working alone legal in Ontario?
Yes. Employers must still take every reasonable precaution to protect the worker.
Do Ontario's workplace violence rules apply to lone workers?
Yes, where the assessment finds a risk of violence.
Source: Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. This page summarizes the rules for general guidance and is not legal advice.
Pilot OnGuard with your team
Run OnGuard free for 30 days with 15 or more of your workers on real shifts, including our Call Centre where available.
Fewer than 15 lone workers? Talk to our team. Questions? Call 1-855-289-5892.