Texas Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Texas

With no state-run occupational safety and health program, employers in Texas must comply with all applicable federal OSHA standards. Although OSHA does not currently have a regulation specifically labeled for lone workers, the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires that all employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards—including those associated with working alone.

Federal OSHA standards related to hazard communication, emergency preparedness, and fall protection often apply to situations where employees are working in isolation. Employers are expected to evaluate work conditions, identify potential hazards, and implement practical controls that reduce the risk to lone workers.

OSHA also offers consultation services and safety training programs that Texas businesses can use to build more robust lone worker policies.

How Texas Defines A Lone Worker

Texas law does not provide a specific definition of “lone worker.” However, in occupational safety contexts, a lone worker is generally understood to be someone who works without direct supervision or coworker presence for extended periods.

Examples of lone workers in Texas include:

• Oil and gas field technicians
• Utility line workers in rural or remote areas
• Home healthcare nurses and caregivers
• Agricultural employees working on large farms or ranches
• Truck drivers and delivery professionals
• Overnight security guards or janitorial staff

Because these workers may be exposed to environmental hazards, physical threats, or medical emergencies without help nearby, additional safeguards are essential.

Employing A Lone Worker In Texas

Employers in Texas must take proactive steps to evaluate and control risks associated with lone work, even in the absence of a state-specific regulation. Under OSHA’s general safety requirements, every workplace—including those with lone workers—must be assessed for potential hazards, and protective measures must be put in place.

Best practices for lone worker safety include:

• Conducting Thorough Risk Assessments: Identify the unique risks of each role and location.
• Implementing Reliable Communication Systems: Use mobile phones, radios, or lone worker safety apps to maintain regular contact.
• Establishing Emergency Response Plans: Ensure that lone workers know how to access help and what steps to take in urgent situations.
• Scheduling Check-Ins: Require manual or automated updates at set intervals to confirm the worker’s safety.
• Providing Proper Training: Educate employees on hazard recognition, emergency procedures, and use of safety tools.

In a state as vast and varied as Texas, these efforts help ensure workers remain protected—whether in rural fields or urban environments.

Learn How You Can Protect Your Employees With Loneworker.com

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.

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

The Safe Lone Worker app helps Texas businesses safeguard employees who operate alone, especially in remote or high-risk settings. Key features such as GPS location tracking, scheduled check-ins, man-down alerts, and emergency SOS buttons allow employers to maintain oversight without being physically present.

This technology supports OSHA compliance, enhances emergency response times, and demonstrates a strong commitment to worker safety—an essential aspect of managing risk across Texas industries.

Whether your team operates in homes, on the road, or in remote industrial facilities, this app can strengthen your safety protocols and support OSHA compliance efforts.

Texas Lone Worker Policies

Texas does not operate its own state occupational safety and health plan, so federal OSHA standards apply to most private-sector workplaces statewide. While there is no lone worker-specific law, employers are legally obligated to assess workplace hazards and ensure adequate protections are in place for employees working alone.

Employers should consult the official OSHA website for updated regulations, training resources, and compliance tools. This content is provided as general guidance and should not be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for formal regulatory consultation.