Washington Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Washington

Employers in Washington are required to comply with DOSH standards, which include both general industry rules and specific regulations for high-risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, and healthcare. While there is no standalone rule that governs lone work, Washington's broader workplace safety regulations address many of the hazards lone workers face—particularly under the General Duty Clause, which requires employers to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards.

Washington also mandates Accident Prevention Programs (APPs), which must include an evaluation of hazards related to the work environment and task. For lone workers, this should specifically involve identifying the risks of working alone and putting measures in place to address them.

How Washington Defines A Lone Worker

Washington does not use a formal definition of "lone worker" in its labor code, but the term is widely recognized in the context of safety planning. A lone worker is any employee who performs their job in isolation, without immediate access to help or supervision.

Common lone worker roles in Washington include:

• In-home healthcare workers
• Park rangers and forestry staff
• Utility and communications technicians
• Agricultural laborers working on large or remote properties
• Custodians or janitors working overnight shifts
• Delivery and transportation personnel

These workers are often exposed to physical hazards, environmental conditions, or unpredictable interactions—all of which require proactive safety management.

Employing A Lone Worker In Washington

Employers must consider the unique risks lone workers face and create a tailored safety approach that includes communication, supervision, and emergency readiness. DOSH’s requirements for safety programs and hazard prevention make this not only a best practice—but a regulatory necessity.

Effective measures for managing lone worker safety in Washington include:

• Comprehensive Hazard Assessments: Identify risks related to the work environment, the worker’s tasks, and isolation factors.
• Reliable Communication Tools: Provide workers with phones, radios, or safety apps that allow them to stay connected and call for help if needed.
• Scheduled Check-Ins: Use manual or automated systems to track the worker’s status throughout their shift.
• Incident Response Planning: Ensure lone workers know what to do in case of an emergency and how to get help quickly.
• Worker Training: Teach employees how to use safety equipment and communication tools and how to recognize risks associated with working alone.

When properly implemented, these steps reduce risk and demonstrate that an employer is meeting their responsibility under Washington’s labor laws.

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

The Safe Lone Worker app supports compliance with Washington's safety expectations by providing real-time tracking, timed check-ins, emergency alerts, and fall detection. These features offer immediate insight into a worker’s status—allowing for a faster response if something goes wrong.

For employers, this technology simplifies oversight while reinforcing their commitment to safety and risk management under DOSH standards.

Washington Lone Worker Policies

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, through the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), enforces the state’s OSHA-approved occupational safety and health program. Washington’s safety rules apply to both private- and public-sector employers and include some of the most proactive requirements in the country.

For more information, visit the official Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – DOSH. This article is intended as general guidance and does not replace legal or regulatory consultation.