Across Georgia’s diverse industries—from healthcare and transportation to agriculture and manufacturing—many employees perform their duties in isolation. These lone workers may operate in rural areas, after hours, or in high-risk environments where they do not have direct supervision or immediate assistance. While Georgia does not administer its own occupational safety program, all employers must comply with federal OSHA standards.
This guide outlines what Georgia employers need to know about protecting lone workers and creating safer working conditions.
Georgia is a federal OSHA state, which means the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety across both private and most public sector workplaces. Although OSHA does not have a regulation solely focused on lone workers, it requires employers to provide a safe work environment under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
In practice, this means employers must evaluate the risks involved in lone working and implement appropriate procedures and tools to protect their employees from foreseeable dangers, such as health emergencies, physical assaults, or environmental hazards.
There is no legal definition of a “lone worker” in Georgia’s laws or federal OSHA regulations. However, the term generally refers to any employee who performs job tasks without direct supervision or coworkers nearby, making it difficult to get help in case of an emergency.
In Georgia, lone workers are commonly found in roles such as:
Because these workers are vulnerable to delayed response during critical incidents, employers must establish systems to reduce risks and ensure timely support.
Employers in Georgia are legally responsible for ensuring workplace safety, including for those who work alone. While lone workers may not be specifically regulated, OSHA expects employers to recognize the inherent risks of isolated work and take reasonable steps to address them.
Recommended practices include:
These steps not only reduce the chance of harm but also demonstrate an employer’s commitment to compliance and worker welfare.
With Loneworker.com you can be equipped with the knowledge and the means to protect your employees and protect your business. Contact us today to learn more about how Loneworker.com can protect you and your employees.
Employers in Georgia can improve lone worker safety through tools like the Safe Lone Worker app, which offers features such as live GPS tracking, timed check-ins, emergency panic alerts, and fall detection. These features are vital in ensuring that workers who operate independently are never truly alone—help can be dispatched instantly if needed.
The app is ideal for Georgia’s wide range of industries and geographic settings, from dense urban areas like Atlanta to remote agricultural regions. It also helps employers comply with OSHA expectations for hazard mitigation and workplace monitoring.
Georgia does not operate its own occupational safety and health plan and is regulated under federal OSHA. While there is no lone worker-specific regulation, the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires all employers to furnish a workplace free from recognized hazards.
Employers should consult the OSHA website for the latest guidance and ensure their safety programs are up to date. This content is for general informational purposes and should not replace professional legal or regulatory advice.
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