Virginia Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Virginia

Virginia employers are legally obligated to comply with VOSH regulations. While there is no specific state regulation uniquely addressing lone workers, the general workplace safety obligations still apply to employees working without direct supervision or colleagues nearby.

Under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must identify workplace hazards—including those specific to working alone—and implement reasonable protections to prevent harm. VOSH provides consultation services and compliance resources to assist businesses in meeting their obligations and maintaining safe working environments.

How Virginia Defines A Lone Worker

Although VOSH does not formally define the term “lone worker,” the concept is widely accepted across safety standards. A lone worker is any employee performing job duties without direct supervision and without coworkers nearby to offer assistance if something goes wrong.

Examples of lone workers in Virginia include:

• Healthcare professionals providing in-home services
• Utility and telecommunications technicians
• Forestry and park rangers
• Delivery drivers and couriers
• Night-shift cleaning or maintenance staff
• Field inspectors and code enforcement officers

These roles often involve travel, remote locations, or off-hour shifts—all of which increase the importance of safety planning.

Employing A Lone Worker In Virginia

Employers across Virginia must evaluate lone worker roles and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. This includes preparing for situations where workers may be injured, become ill, or encounter hazards with no one nearby to assist.

Best practices include:

• Conducting Risk Assessments: Identify hazards specific to tasks, locations, and working conditions.
• Establishing Reliable Communication: Equip workers with mobile devices, two-way radios, or safety apps.
• Implementing Check-In Procedures: Require periodic manual or automated check-ins to monitor worker status.
• Developing Emergency Response Plans: Provide clear, accessible instructions for lone workers to follow in case of emergencies.
• Providing Targeted Training: Train lone workers on situational awareness, equipment use, and communication protocols.

These practices not only improve worker safety but also help demonstrate compliance with VOSH safety requirements.

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

The Safe Lone Worker app enhances the safety of Virginia’s workforce by offering features such as real-time GPS tracking, timed check-ins, automatic alerts, panic buttons, and fall detection. These tools allow employers to maintain oversight, ensure rapid response in emergencies, and verify worker well-being even when they’re off-site or working irregular hours.

For Virginia businesses, using this technology supports workplace safety efforts while reinforcing compliance with VOSH expectations and risk mitigation best practices.

Virginia Lone Worker Policies

Virginia operates its own OSHA-approved plan through the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). VOSH regulations apply to both private- and public-sector employers and must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards.

For the latest workplace safety regulations and compliance tools, visit the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry – VOSH Program. This article is for general informational purposes only and should not replace legal or regulatory consultation.