Maryland's diverse economy includes industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and public services—many of which employ individuals who regularly work alone. Lone workers, including security guards, home health aides, and maintenance staff, face heightened risks due to limited access to immediate assistance during emergencies. To ensure their protection, employers must understand and comply with state and federal safety regulations.
Maryland operates its own OSHA-approved state plan, which is administered by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division, a part of the Maryland Department of Labor. This plan applies to both public- and private-sector workplaces, making MOSH the primary regulatory body overseeing workplace safety in the state.
In Maryland, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) program enforces regulations that are required to be at least as effective as those established by federal OSHA. While Maryland does not have a regulation specifically dedicated to lone workers, the General Duty Clause and other safety standards apply to any work situation, including those involving employees working in isolation.
MOSH covers a broad range of safety responsibilities, such as hazard identification, training, and emergency preparedness—all of which are crucial when managing lone workers.
Maryland does not provide a formal statutory definition of a "lone worker," but the concept typically includes any employee who carries out job duties without direct supervision or immediate access to assistance. Lone work situations occur across various sectors and require tailored safety strategies.
Common lone worker roles in Maryland include:
These individuals are vulnerable to slips, trips, falls, health incidents, or confrontational situations—all of which may go unnoticed without proper monitoring systems in place.
Employers in Maryland are required by MOSH to provide safe working conditions, including for those working alone. That means conducting job-specific hazard assessments, developing emergency communication systems, and ensuring workers are trained to handle situations without immediate help.
Key practices include:
These actions support regulatory compliance and reduce the risk of incidents going unnoticed or unresolved.
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The Safe Lone Worker app enhances workplace safety by offering features like real-time GPS tracking, timed check-ins, SOS alerts, and fall detection. For Maryland-based employers, this technology provides peace of mind by enabling timely intervention in emergencies and demonstrating due diligence under MOSH regulations.
Organizations in sectors like healthcare, public service, and education can easily implement the app to create a safer working environment for employees who work independently.
Maryland enforces occupational safety through its state OSHA-approved plan, administered by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division. While the state does not have a standalone law addressing lone workers, employers are still required under the General Duty Clause to assess risks and implement appropriate safeguards for those working alone.
For current regulatory details and safety requirements, visit Maryland MOSH and OSHA.gov. This guide is intended for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal or regulatory advice.
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