Indiana Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Indiana

Indiana maintains its own workplace safety enforcement agency through Indiana OSHA (IOSHA), which operates under the Indiana Department of Labor. IOSHA enforces safety standards based on federal OSHA guidelines but can also tailor enforcement and outreach efforts to the unique needs of workers within the state.

While there is no standalone regulation specifically for lone workers under IOSHA or federal OSHA, employers are required to protect all employees from recognized hazards, including those related to working alone. The General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act obliges employers to maintain a safe workplace—meaning lone worker risks must be identified and addressed.

How Indiana Defines A Lone Worker

There is no formal legal definition of a “lone worker” in Indiana’s occupational safety legislation. However, the term generally applies to employees who work without close or direct supervision and who may not be able to quickly summon help in case of injury, illness, or emergency.

In Indiana, lone workers might include:

• Home healthcare aides and visiting nurses
• Field service technicians and utility workers
• Agricultural laborers on remote properties
• Security guards on solo night shifts
• Cleaning crews working off-hours in commercial buildings
• Maintenance workers in isolated areas

These roles can present added risks that must be managed through thoughtful policies and tools.

Employing A Lone Worker In Indiana

Employers in Indiana who rely on lone workers must take deliberate steps to keep them safe. Even though there is no regulation explicitly titled “lone worker safety,” OSHA and IOSHA require employers to account for job-specific risks, including isolation.

Recommended best practices include:

• Job Hazard Analysis: Review job roles to identify hazards tied to working alone and develop mitigation strategies.
• Regular Check-Ins: Establish protocols for routine contact, whether through phone calls, mobile apps, or automated systems.
• Training and Preparedness: Ensure lone workers know how to respond to emergencies and access support when needed.
• Technology Integration: Use monitoring tools like GPS tracking, panic buttons, and automated alerts to protect workers.
• Written Policies: Develop formal procedures addressing how and when employees can work alone, including escalation plans.

A structured approach to lone worker safety not only protects individuals but also helps businesses meet regulatory obligations.

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How The Safe Lone Worker App Can Protect Indiana Lone Workers And Employers

Whether a utility technician is working in a rural area or a maintenance worker is alone in a large facility, real-time monitoring can make a life-saving difference. The Safe Lone Worker app provides a digital safety net for Indiana employers, offering features such as GPS location tracking, automated check-ins, fall detection, and emergency alerts.

With this app, organizations can stay connected to employees working in isolation and respond rapidly in the event of a crisis. It’s an effective way to support compliance with IOSHA standards while improving peace of mind for both workers and managers.

Indiana Lone Worker Policies

Indiana administers its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health program through Indiana OSHA (IOSHA), under the Indiana Department of Labor. This gives the state authority to enforce safety standards that align with or exceed those set by federal OSHA. Although Indiana does not have a specific regulation dedicated solely to lone workers, the General Duty Clause still applies. Employers are responsible for identifying risks and implementing controls to protect any employee working in isolation.

For the latest information and regulatory updates, visit the Indiana Department of Labor and OSHA. This guide is for general reference and should not be considered a replacement for legal advice or regulatory consultation.