A Lone Worker Crisis is Looming: Why Traditional Safety Protocols Fail Workers in Isolation

New OSHA and NIOSH Partnership Calls Attention to Unseen Risks in Lone Worker Safety

In light of a new partnership between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), experts are re-evaluating safety practices for lone workers—a group estimated to include over 53 million individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The current OSHA/NIOSH initiative highlights what many safety leaders consider an overdue focus on these workers’ unique safety needs. Yet despite increasing awareness, outdated safety protocols continue to leave this workforce segment at risk.

SafetyIQ, a pioneer in data-driven safety solutions, is sounding the alarm: “Traditional approaches to lone worker safety rely too heavily on periodic check-ins and emergency call buttons, which aren’t always sufficient in preventing incidents,” says Scott Jackson, CEO at SafetyIQ. “For workers in isolation, immediate and proactive safety support is essential.”

Re-Defining Lone Worker Safety in a Changing Workforce

Industries employing lone workers—from utility and transportation sectors to construction—have relied on safety protocols that, while effective for some groups, fall short for those working in isolation. For lone workers facing sudden health issues or environmental hazards without real-time support, consequences can be serious or even fatal. SafetyIQ advocates for a re-evaluation of safety technologies, proposing predictive, real-time monitoring systems that proactively assess risks, alert workers to hazards, and allow for immediate response if needed.

“Our current safety framework for lone workers has serious limitations, but technology can fill these gaps,” says Scott Jackson. “Predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated alerts are essential tools to ensure safety for those without immediate access to help.”

Implications for Employers and Decision-Makers

As the OSHA/NIOSH partnership unfolds, SafetyIQ urges employers, Safety Directors, CEOs, and Finance Managers to consider adopting data-driven safety solutions that can meet the evolving demands of lone worker safety. This is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but of ethical responsibility and risk management.

“Without these advancements, employers are not only facing liabilities but risking their lone workers’ safety. The time to integrate technology into lone worker safety protocols is now.”