Safety Tidbit 3.40 - Working Alone

Safety Tidbit 3.40 – Working Alone

Reference:        1910.269 – Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution

                        1910.146 – Permit Required Confined Spaces

                        1926.502 – Fall Protection

1915.84 -Working Alone

A client asked me if there was an OSHA standard that prohibited workers from working alone. I thought a bit as I typically work alone but am never alone on a site. Many people work in offices alone or start their shifts early or end late and are by themselves. So, what was her real question?
In general industry, the permit required confined space standard requires an attendant outside the space. In the power transmission standard (1910.269) OSHA places certain parameters on working alone in paragraph l. However, I could not find a clean reference to working alone.

In the construction industry, fall hazards are abundant. 1926.502(d)(20) requires the employer to provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.

Similarly, in the maritime industry they specify certain communication requirements in 1915.84 when an employee is working in a confined space (which is not uncommon in a shipyard). 1910.84 specifies that the employer shall account for each employee (except if welding is involved):

·       Throughout each work shift at regular intervals appropriate to the job assignment to ensure the employee's safety and health; and

·       At the end of the job assignment or at the end of the work shift, whichever occurs first.

·       The employer shall account for each employee by sight or verbal communication.

The theme that I see with existing standards is the risk assessment. The employer knowing that a worker is alone and knowing what hazards exist and potential for exposure. Another example involving workplace violence is the clerk that works alone at a retail store, whether at night or during the day, is at risk of being robbed. This risk changes based on the location of the store, the cash available or the products sold.

Fundamentally, I think, it comes down to OSHA’s General Duty Clause – Employer’s responsibility to provide “employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”

Hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan
P.S. If you have an interesting safety or health question please let me know.