A person is “alone” at work when they are on their own; when they cannot be seen or
heard by another person; and when they cannot expect a visit from another worker.
While it is not always hazardous to work alone, it can be when other circumstances are present. Whether a
situation is a high or low risk will depend on the location, type of work, interaction with the public, or the
consequences of an emergency, accident, injury, etc. This wide variety of circumstances makes it important to
assess each situation individually. Risk is increased if workers are working at heights, with electricity, with
hazardous substances or materials, with hazardous equipment such as chainsaws or firearms, with materials at
great pressure, or with the public, where there is a potential for violence.