Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean, has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, utilities, public service, and tourism. Many of these industries employ individuals who work alone or in remote environments, placing them at greater risk for injuries or emergencies without immediate assistance. These lone workers require dedicated safety strategies to ensure their protection and compliance with applicable regulations.
Unlike many U.S. states and territories, Puerto Rico operates its own OSHA-approved State Plan, which is managed by the Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Administration (PR OSHA) under the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. This means that employers in Puerto Rico are subject to safety regulations developed locally but required to be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards.
Puerto Rico’s state plan covers both private- and public-sector employees, providing comprehensive regulatory oversight of workplace safety across the island. Although PR OSHA does not have a regulation that specifically targets lone workers, employers must comply with general safety requirements—including those that address the hazards associated with working in isolation.
As in mainland OSHA jurisdictions, the General Duty Clause applies in Puerto Rico, requiring employers to create a work environment that is free from recognized hazards. For lone workers, this includes developing policies that account for communication, emergency response, and access to support while on duty.
While there is no official legal definition of “lone worker” in Puerto Rican labor law, the term generally refers to any employee who performs work without direct supervision or the presence of coworkers. In Puerto Rico, this can include:
The island’s geography, climate, and infrastructure challenges make it even more important for employers to take steps to identify and reduce risks associated with working alone.
Organizations employing lone workers in Puerto Rico must comply with PR OSHA standards, which are modeled after federal OSHA but may include territory-specific updates. Employers are expected to proactively assess risk, develop procedures, and provide tools to protect those working without direct supervision.
Best practices for employing lone workers include:
Taking these steps helps ensure compliance with PR OSHA while demonstrating care for worker safety and readiness.
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 real-time safety features designed for employees in remote or unsupervised roles. With GPS tracking, automated check-ins, panic buttons, and fall detection, the app helps employers maintain visibility and ensure rapid emergency response, even in hard-to-reach locations across Puerto Rico.
This is particularly valuable for industries like utilities, public works, healthcare, and field services that operate in diverse and decentralized environments.
Puerto Rico maintains its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health program through PR OSHA, which covers both public and private sectors. While there is no standalone regulation for lone workers, employers are still responsible under the General Duty Clause to protect employees from all recognized hazards, including those encountered while working alone.
Employers and safety professionals in Puerto Rico are encouraged to consult the PR OSHA website and relevant federal OSHA resources to stay current on legal requirements and best practices. This article is provided for general reference and should not replace official legal or regulatory guidance.
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