Missouri Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Missouri

Missouri falls under the jurisdiction of federal OSHA, meaning all employers must follow OSHA’s safety standards and enforcement protocols. Although OSHA does not have a regulation solely for lone workers, the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act still applies. It mandates that employers maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards, including those faced by employees working alone.

To support this obligation, MDOLIR offers voluntary programs and consultation services that help Missouri businesses identify safety risks and improve workplace conditions, even though it does not enforce its own plan.

How Missouri Defines A Lone Worker

Missouri does not have a specific legal definition for "lone worker," and neither does federal OSHA. In practice, a lone worker is anyone who performs their job duties without direct supervision or coworkers present, and without immediate access to help in an emergency.

Common lone worker roles in Missouri include:

• Utility and telecommunications technicians
• Security guards and night maintenance staff
• Home healthcare providers
• Delivery drivers and transport workers
• Farmworkers operating heavy equipment alone
• Field inspectors and environmental engineers

Because these roles often take place in isolated or uncontrolled environments, employers must assess the associated risks and implement tailored safety measures.

Employing A Lone Worker In Missouri

Employers in Missouri must meet OSHA’s expectations by proactively identifying and controlling risks for lone workers. In addition to implementing policies and training, businesses can leverage state resources to improve safety outcomes.

Recommended best practices include:

• Job Hazard Assessments: Evaluate roles for hazards that are intensified by isolation.
• Communication Protocols: Establish regular check-ins using mobile phones, radios, or lone worker apps.
• Emergency Response Planning: Train lone workers to handle injuries, medical emergencies, or threats on their own.
• Technology Use: Equip workers with GPS-enabled devices, panic buttons, and fall detection tools.
• Documentation and Training: Develop and maintain written safety procedures tailored to lone work scenarios.

The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (MDOLIR) offers free assistance through its On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program. This service helps small businesses improve safety without the threat of penalties or citations. MDOLIR also manages the Missouri Workers' Safety Program, which supports the creation of formal safety programs that can reduce injuries and lower insurance premiums.

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

The Safe Lone Worker app gives employers a powerful tool to protect staff working alone in the field, at night, or in remote areas. It includes real-time GPS tracking, customizable check-ins, emergency alerts, fall detection, and two-way communication—ensuring that help is always within reach.

This solution supports employers’ compliance with OSHA’s safety requirements while complementing Missouri’s efforts to promote workplace health and injury prevention through MDOLIR programs.

Missouri Lone Worker Policies

Although Missouri does not operate its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health plan, employers can access essential safety support through the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (MDOLIR). All workplace safety enforcement falls under federal OSHA, and the General Duty Clause obligates employers to maintain safe conditions for lone workers and other employees.

For official guidance, visit OSHA.gov and labor.mo.gov. This article is intended as a general reference and does not replace legal advice or official regulatory documentation.