OHS Working Alone Regulations don’t vary by type of work site. All that matters is whether the worker meets the definition of “working alone or at isolated place of employment” under Sec. 35(1): “’to work alone’ means to work at a worksite as the only worker of the employer or contractor at that worksite, in circumstances where assistance is not readily available to the worker in the event of injury, ill health or emergency.”
Here’s the rest of the Reg. since it’s pretty short.
“(2) Where a worker is required to work alone or at an isolated place of employment, an employer or contractor, in consultation with the committee, the representative or, where there is no committee or representative, the workers, shall identify the risks arising from the conditions and circumstances of the worker’s work or the isolation of the place of employment.
“(3) An employer or contractor shall take all reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or reduce the risks identified pursuant to subsection (2).
“(4) The steps to be taken to eliminate or reduce the risks pursuant to subsection (3):
“(a) must include the establishment of an effective communication system that consists of: (i) radio communication; (ii) phone or cellular phone communication; or (iii) any other means that provides effective communication in view of the risks involved; and
“(b) may include any of the following: (i) regular contact by the employer or contractor with the worker working alone or at an isolated place of employment; (ii) limitations on, or prohibitions of, specified activities; (iii) establishment of minimum training or experience, or other standards of competency; (iv) provision of personal protective equipment; (v) establishment of safe work practices or procedures; (vi) provision of emergency supplies for use in travelling under conditions of extreme cold or other inclement weather conditions.”
Notice that the rules for an office are the same as the rules for a mfg facility–although the setting will likely affect the MAY INCLUDE measures listed in Sec. 35(4)(b)
Hope that helps. Wish I hadn’t kept you waiting so long.
Glenn Demby, 203 354-4532
