Quick Facts on Alberta Lone Working Legislation

In 2000, the Alberta government created the Working Alone Regulation based on the recommendations of a task force comprised of industry, labour and governmental representatives.

The Regulation came into effect on October 4, 2000. Since that time, the requirements for working alone have been consolidated into the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code. They appear in Part 28 of the OHS Code.

 

Download The Complete Guides:

1. Complete Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code 2009: Download PDF

2. Explanation Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Code Part 28: Download PDF

3. Guide for Employers and Employees From Alberta Government: Download PDF

 

Regulation Highlights

Part 28

Application

393(1)

This Part applies if

(a) a worker is working alone at a work site, and

(b) assistance is not readily available if there is an emergency or the worker is injured or ill. 393(2) Working alone is considered a hazard for the purposes of Part 2.

 

Precautions Required

394(1)

An employer must, for any worker working alone, provide an effective communication system consisting of

(a) radio communication,

(b) landline or cellular telephone communication, or

(c) some other effective means of electronic communication that includes regular contact by the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the worker’s work.

394(1.1)

Despite subsection (1), if effective electronic communication is not practicable at the work site, the employer must ensure that

(a) the employer or designate visits the worker, or

(b) the worker contacts the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the worker’s work.