The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), a U.S. territory in the Caribbean, supports industries such as tourism, public services, utilities, and transportation—many of which employ individuals who work alone or in isolated conditions. These lone workers face unique safety risks, especially when immediate assistance or supervision is unavailable. Employers in the Virgin Islands are responsible for putting proper protocols in place to ensure these workers remain safe and connected.
While the Virgin Islands do not operate their own occupational safety and health program, all private- and public-sector workplaces are covered by federal OSHA regulations, enforced under OSHA Region 2. Employers must comply with federal guidelines and may refer to additional local labor resources as needed.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which means the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) directly enforces safety standards across industries on the islands. Although OSHA does not have a specific regulation that solely addresses lone workers, the General Duty Clause applies. This clause obligates employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards—including those associated with working alone.
Lone working environments can introduce elevated risks in remote, industrial, or off-hours settings. Employers must take proactive steps to assess potential hazards and implement measures to reduce or eliminate them.
OSHA and the Virgin Islands do not provide a formal legal definition of a "lone worker." However, the term typically describes any employee who works without direct supervision or the immediate presence of colleagues. In the Virgin Islands, common lone worker roles include:
Given the geographic separation of many work sites across the islands, ensuring lone worker safety is particularly important in the USVI.
Employers in the Virgin Islands must adhere to federal OSHA regulations and should adopt best practices to protect lone workers. This includes establishing protocols for communication, monitoring, and emergency response—especially when workers operate in isolated areas or after normal hours.
Key strategies include:
Implementing a formal lone worker safety program is not only good practice—it also demonstrates a strong commitment to employee well-being and OSHA compliance.
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 is designed to enhance the safety of workers who operate independently or in remote conditions. With GPS tracking, automatic check-ins, emergency alerts, and fall detection, the app helps supervisors stay informed of a worker’s status in real time.
This is particularly valuable for the Virgin Islands, where infrastructure gaps and geographic spread can make physical oversight more difficult. The app adds a crucial layer of protection for employees across public works, healthcare, tourism, and more.
Since the U.S. Virgin Islands fall under federal OSHA jurisdiction, employers must follow federal safety regulations without modifications by a local state plan. OSHA’s General Duty Clause mandates that employers identify and mitigate all recognizable hazards—including the specific challenges posed by working alone.
We recommend that employers, HR professionals, and safety officers operating in the Virgin Islands consult both OSHA.gov and OSHA Region 2 for up-to-date guidance. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for legal or regulatory advice.
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