Maine Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Maine

In Maine, public-sector workplaces—such as schools, municipal offices, and state agencies—fall under the jurisdiction of the MDOL’s Workplace Safety and Health Division, which administers the state’s OSHA-approved safety plan. Private-sector employers are governed by federal OSHA regulations.

Although neither OSHA nor MDOL has a regulation specifically targeting lone workers, employers are still required to identify potential hazards and take appropriate measures to protect workers who operate without direct supervision.

How Maine Defines A Lone Worker

Maine does not provide a legal or regulatory definition for “lone worker.” However, in workplace safety contexts, it generally refers to any employee who performs tasks in isolation, without direct oversight or coworkers nearby who can respond in an emergency.

Common lone worker roles in Maine include:

• Oil and gas field operators and inspectors
• Agricultural workers in rural locations
• Home healthcare providers and hospice staff
• Night security personnel
• Janitorial and custodial workers
• Utility and maintenance staff in remote or confined areas

Because of their isolated conditions, these workers are at a higher risk for injury or delayed emergency response, making it critical for employers to prepare accordingly.

Employing A Lone Worker In Maine

Whether operating under federal OSHA or MDOL’s state plan, Maine employers must take reasonable steps to protect employees working alone. This includes job hazard analysis, emergency planning, and ongoing communication protocols.

Best practices include:

• Hazard Assessments: Identify job-specific dangers for lone employees.
• Check-In Protocols: Require regular contact through phones, apps, or automated systems.
• Safety Training: Equip employees with the knowledge to respond to threats or incidents independently.
• Monitoring Technology: Provide tools like GPS-enabled mobile apps to track worker safety in real time.
• Written Procedures: Maintain documented lone worker safety policies and ensure staff are trained on them.

Employers who follow these steps not only protect their workers but also reduce liability and demonstrate regulatory compliance.

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

The Safe Lone Worker app gives employers in Maine a proactive way to manage the risks of working alone. Features like SOS alerts, fall detection, timed check-ins, and GPS tracking help ensure lone workers are monitored and supported at all times.

Whether you're a municipal agency governed by MDOL or a private business regulated by federal OSHA, this technology adds an extra layer of protection that improves safety outcomes and ensures a faster emergency response.

Maine Lone Worker Policies

Maine operates a partial OSHA-approved state plan, overseen by the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL). This plan applies to state and local government workers only, while federal OSHA regulates the private sector. Though there are no laws that address lone workers directly, both MDOL and OSHA require employers to evaluate worksite risks and implement safety measures for all workers, including those operating alone.

Employers across Maine should carry out hazard assessments, use reliable communication systems, and provide proper training to reduce the risks associated with lone work. Safety tools like the Safe Lone Worker app can assist in meeting these responsibilities and enhancing worker security.

For the most accurate and current information, consult MDOL’s Workplace Safety and Health Division and OSHA.gov. This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.