In Canada, legislation is divided across federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions. Below is an outline of Prince Edward Island’s legislation on lone workers.
Prince Edward Island Lone Worker Legislation Summary
Prince Edward Island’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and General Regulations set forth standards for occupational health and safety, along with general safety principles applicable to workplaces across the island.
Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations 1988 (Current to: June 22, 2024)
Part 53 – Working Alone
53.1 “working alone”, defined
In this Part, “working alone” means a worker working at a workplace who is the only worker of the employer at that workplace, in circumstances where assistance is not readily available to the worker in the event of injury, ill health or emergency. (EC43/06)
53.2 Procedure where worker is working alone
(1) Where a worker is working alone, the employer shall develop and implement written procedures to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of the worker from risks arising out of, or in connection with, the work assigned.
Information to be included
(2) Written procedures developed under subsection (1) shall include the following information:
(a) the name, address, location and telephone number of the workplace;
(b) the name, address, location and telephone number of the employer; p. 3
(c) the nature of the business conducted at the workplace;
(d) identification of the possible risks to each worker working alone that arise from or in connection with the work assigned;
(e) the steps to be followed to minimize the risks identified in clause (d);
(f) details of the means by which a worker who is working alone can secure, and the employer can provide, assistance in the event of injury or other circumstances that may endanger the health or safety of the worker.
Specified information
(3) The steps referred to in clause (2)(e) shall
(a) specify the time intervals for checking on the worker;
(b) specify the person responsible for contacting the worker and recording the results of the contact;
(c) outline the process to be followed if the worker cannot be contacted, including provisions for an emergency rescue; and
(d) provide for checking with the worker at the end of the worker’s shift. (EC43/06)
53.3 Employer, worker to comply
The employer and the worker who is working alone shall comply with the procedures developed under section 53.2. (EC43/06)
53.4 Training program
The employer shall implement a training program in respect of the procedures established under Section 53.2 for each worker who is working alone and for each supervisor who is responsible for a worker working alone. (EC43/06)
53.5 Copy of procedures available to officer
The employer shall ensure that a copy of the procedures established under Section 53.2 is available to an officer on request. (EC43/06)
If you are looking into the legalities of lone workers on PEI, I would highly recommend reading ‘The Guide to Working Alone Regulations’ published by the Workers Compensation Board to assist with the interpretation of the working alone regulations of Prince Edward Island.
As an expert in lone worker content management, I possess an extensive knowledge base and experience in the area of lone working and safety monitoring. My expertise in this field encompasses a wide range of areas, including risk assessment, training, communication, and technology. I have a deep understanding of the unique risks associated with lone workers and have researched and written many projects and articles to educate people in how to mitigate these risks.
Throughout my time with Ok Alone, I have kept up to date with technological developments, legislative changes and regulations that have been introduced to help organizations ensure the safety of their lone workers.