North Dakota Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In North Dakota

Because North Dakota relies entirely on federal OSHA regulations, employers must adhere to federal standards that apply to all types of workplaces. While OSHA does not currently have a specific regulation for lone workers, the General Duty Clause requires all employers to provide a work environment free from recognized hazards that could cause serious harm or death.

Employers are expected to assess the hazards associated with lone work—such as medical emergencies, environmental exposures, workplace violence, and machinery accidents—and take steps to mitigate those risks. In industries like oil and gas, agriculture, and healthcare, where lone work is common, failure to plan adequately could lead to serious liability and preventable accidents.

Employers can access guidance, training, and inspection support from OSHA's Bismarck Area Office, which serves businesses and workers throughout the state.

How North Dakota Defines A Lone Worker

While there is no official OSHA or state definition specific to “lone worker,” the term generally refers to employees who work without direct supervision and who may be unable to call for help in an emergency. In North Dakota, this can include workers in remote or rural areas, as well as those working odd hours or in isolated sections of facilities.

Examples of lone workers in North Dakota include:

• Oil and gas field technicians
• Agricultural workers and equipment operators
• Utility maintenance personnel
• Home healthcare aides
• Security staff on overnight shifts
• Snowplow and road maintenance workers during winter operations

Employers should identify these roles and ensure adequate protections are in place.

Employing A Lone Worker In North Dakota

Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to recognize the risks associated with lone work and take measures to ensure worker safety. While OSHA does not mandate specific lone worker procedures, a proactive approach can help prevent injuries, improve response times, and demonstrate compliance with federal expectations.

Best practices for protecting lone workers include:

• Risk Assessments: Analyze the hazards associated with specific jobs, environments, and locations.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop and communicate clear protocols for medical emergencies, equipment failure, and natural hazards.
• Communication Tools: Use radios, phones, or lone worker safety apps to maintain real-time contact.
• Scheduled Check-Ins: Establish mandatory check-in procedures and escalation protocols.
• Worker Training: Ensure employees are trained to identify hazards and respond appropriately in emergencies.

These safety strategies not only improve worker outcomes but also help employers avoid potential fines or legal exposure under OSHA regulations.

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How The Safe Lone Worker App Can Protect North Dakota Lone Workers And Employers

The Safe Lone Worker app is designed to support real-time monitoring and emergency response for employees working alone in the field, on-site, or at home. With features like panic alerts, fall detection, timed check-ins, and GPS tracking, it provides peace of mind for both workers and supervisors.

Whether managing a team of oil field operators in Williston or home health aides in Grand Forks, the Safe Lone Worker app is a smart and scalable solution for employers committed to safety and compliance with OSHA expectations.

North Dakota Lone Worker Policies

North Dakota is a federally regulated OSHA state, meaning there is no state-run occupational safety and health program. All worker safety policies and enforcement are handled by federal OSHA. While there is no standalone regulation focused exclusively on lone workers, employers are expected to meet their responsibilities under the General Duty Clause, which requires the identification and mitigation of any known workplace hazards.

This guide is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult with OSHA or a qualified safety consultant.