Workforce Safety in Canada: Protecting Your Lone & High-Risk Workforce

Understanding lone worker risk in Canada

Millions of workers across Canada spend at least part of their working day alone, out of sight or away from immediate support.

That can include healthcare employees visiting homes, utility and construction workers operating in isolated areas, drivers working solitary routes, forestry teams in remote locations and employees dealing directly with members of the public.

The webinar explores how organizations can identify these risks and build appropriate controls around the people, environments and tasks involved in lone working. The session uses a People, Environment and Task framework to help safety leaders think more clearly about the different hazards their workers may face.

Navigating lone worker safety requirements

Canadian lone worker requirements vary across federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions.

The session examines the Canada Labour Code, general duty obligations and the patchwork of provincial and territorial requirements that can affect organizations operating across multiple locations.

It also highlights the importance of conducting risk assessments, establishing effective communication methods and creating clear procedures for workers who operate alone.

Because legislation can change, the regulatory discussion on this page reflects the position presented during the July 2025 webinar.

Building a practical lone worker safety program

Effective lone worker protection requires more than a single app or device.

The webinar covers the hierarchy of controls, including eliminating or reducing hazards where possible, using engineering and administrative controls, establishing agreed check-in intervals and creating clear emergency response procedures.

The speakers also discuss the importance of leadership involvement, incident and near-miss reporting and including lone workers themselves in the safety planning process.

Using technology to stay connected

Technology can help organizations maintain visibility and respond more quickly when lone workers need assistance.

The session explores automated check-ins, panic alerts, GPS location tracking, man-down detection, high-risk timers, dashboards, escalation workflows and satellite devices for workers operating beyond normal cellular coverage.

The webinar also covers implementation, employee privacy, training and adoption, helping organizations think beyond the technology itself and consider how it fits into everyday working practices.