New York Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In New York

Because New York runs a partial OSHA-approved plan, the responsibilities for lone worker safety are split: PESH oversees occupational health and safety for government entities, and federal OSHA regulates all private-sector workplaces. Neither body has a specific standard dedicated exclusively to lone workers, but employers are still required to eliminate or control known hazards under the General Duty Clause and related safety standards.

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) works alongside PESH to support compliance efforts and provide resources, training, and enforcement for public employers. For private businesses, the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA regional office is the go-to authority.

How New York Defines A Lone Worker

Neither PESH nor OSHA provides a formal definition of a “lone worker,” but the term generally applies to anyone working without direct supervision or immediate access to help in the event of an emergency. This includes workers in roles where they are physically isolated or simply working in off-hours with no nearby support.

Common lone worker scenarios in New York include:

• Home healthcare aides and visiting nurses
• Social service workers and child welfare officers
• Custodial and maintenance personnel during night shifts
• Security guards at unmanned sites
• Delivery drivers and field technicians/li>
• Public utility or sanitation employees working alone in the field

Understanding the scope of lone work is essential for creating targeted safety protocols.

Employing A Lone Worker In New York

Employers in both the public and private sectors must take proactive steps to identify risks and implement safeguards for employees working alone. This includes evaluating job tasks, working conditions, time of day, and geographic location. Because lone workers are less likely to receive immediate assistance in an emergency, planning for worst-case scenarios is critical.

Best practices for employers include:

• Conducting Risk Assessments: Identify the unique hazards lone workers face in specific roles.
• Establishing Emergency Protocols: Ensure workers know what to do and who to contact in a crisis.
• Monitoring Systems: Use check-in schedules, automated alerts, or GPS-based safety apps.
• Employee Training: Provide instruction on personal safety, communication devices, and hazard recognition.
• Incident Response Planning: Make sure supervisors are equipped to act quickly if a lone worker signals distress.

By adopting these strategies, employers in New York can demonstrate a strong commitment to worker safety and ensure compliance with state and federal expectations for hazard mitigation, even in the absence of lone worker-specific legislation.

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How The Safe Lone Worker App Can Protect New York Lone Workers And Employers

The Safe Lone Worker app is a practical solution for organizations looking to protect employees working in isolation. Equipped with features like real-time GPS tracking, panic buttons, fall detection, and automated check-ins, it helps bridge the communication gap between lone workers and their employers.

Whether managing a healthcare team in the Bronx or utility workers upstate, employers can use the Safe Lone Worker app to ensure employees are safe and accounted for—while also demonstrating compliance with PESH or OSHA standards.

New York Lone Worker Policies

New York enforces occupational safety and health protections through a partial OSHA state plan. The Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau, under the New York Department of Labor, covers only state and local government employees. All private-sector workplaces are governed by federal OSHA standards. Neither program has a lone worker-specific rule, but employers are required to address risks under general safety obligations.

This article is intended as general information and should not be used in place of legal advice or formal regulatory consultation.