New Jersey’s diverse economy includes healthcare, education, logistics, and public services—fields where many individuals perform tasks in isolation or with limited supervision. Whether it’s a home health aide working in a patient’s residence or a municipal worker maintaining infrastructure, these lone workers face distinct safety risks. Employers in New Jersey must recognize these risks and take proactive steps to protect workers, especially when immediate assistance is not available.
New Jersey operates a state OSHA plan—but only for public-sector workers. This means that safety enforcement for state and local government employees falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) program. For the private sector, all occupational safety standards and enforcement are managed directly by federal OSHA.
Because New Jersey uses a partial OSHA-approved plan, employers must know whether their workforce falls under federal OSHA (private sector) or PEOSH (public sector). Both entities require employers to provide safe working conditions, but neither offers a specific regulation focused solely on lone workers. Instead, the General Duty Clause applies, mandating that employers eliminate recognized hazards, including those associated with working alone.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) provides additional labor guidance and may support safety initiatives through education and outreach, though it does not directly enforce OSHA or PEOSH standards.
New Jersey law does not formally define the term “lone worker,” nor does federal OSHA. However, the concept broadly applies to employees who work without direct supervision and who may be unable to receive immediate help in an emergency.
In New Jersey, typical lone worker roles include:
Recognizing these roles is essential for employers aiming to manage safety risks and implement preventive measures.
Whether governed by federal OSHA or New Jersey’s PEOSH program, employers must assess the risks involved in isolated work situations and put proper safety protocols in place. This includes evaluating both physical hazards (like falls, violence, or environmental exposure) and communication barriers that can delay emergency response.
Recommended best practices include:
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.
The Safe Lone Worker app offers an effective solution for businesses and agencies in New Jersey that employ individuals who work independently. The app supports features like scheduled check-ins, panic alerts, man-down detection, and real-time GPS tracking, allowing supervisors to monitor employees remotely while giving workers fast access to emergency help.
Whether used by home health agencies, municipal field teams, or delivery drivers, this app helps employers comply with both OSHA and PEOSH expectations, reducing risk while improving peace of mind.
New Jersey’s Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) program provides workplace safety oversight for state and local government employees, requiring employers in the public sector to maintain environments free from recognized hazards. For private-sector employers, federal OSHA regulations apply. In either case, there are no lone worker-specific rules, but general safety duties still apply under the General Duty Clause.
This guide is intended for general informational purposes and should not replace legal or regulatory consultation.
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