Ontario Doesn't Have a Lone Worker Law. You Still Have to Prove Due Diligence.
CheckMate helps Ontario organizations monitor working-alone staff and document their safety process in a way that aligns with OHSA expectations—without adding complexity for employees.
If you're responsible for safety, HR, or operations in Ontario, this page is for you.
What Ontario Actually Requires
Understanding your obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
General Duty Clause
Every employer must take "every precaution reasonable in the circumstances" to protect workers—regardless of whether regulations name working alone specifically.
OHSA Section 25(2)(h) →
Risk Assessment Mandate
Employers must identify hazards in the workplace and implement measures to control them. For lone workers, this means evaluating isolation-specific risks.
OHSA Section 25(2)(d-e) →
Healthcare Requirements
Healthcare facilities must have specific provisions for worker safety, including systems to summon immediate assistance when staff work in isolation.
O. Reg. 67/93 →
Confined Space Protocol
Workers entering confined spaces require continuous communication with an external attendant who can initiate rescue procedures.
O. Reg. 632/05 →
Violence Prevention
Employers must assess the risk of workplace violence and implement policies to protect workers—particularly those in public-facing or isolated roles.
OHSA Section 32 →
Due Diligence Standard
The "due diligence" defense requires proving you took all reasonable steps to prevent violations. Your lone worker program documentation becomes your evidence trail.
Case Law Standard →What This Means in Practice
Ontario employers aren't cited for lacking a specific tool—they're cited when they can't demonstrate how risks were identified, monitored, and responded to.
See How We Help Prove Due Diligence →Minimum vs. Best Practice
Ontario's performance-based approach gives flexibility—but that flexibility creates risk
What the Law Doesn't Mandate
- No universal "safety check" interval requirements
- No prescribed monitoring technology standards
- No specific training hour mandates for working alone
- No mandatory supervisor-to-worker ratios
- No automatic notification escalation requirements
What Defensible Programs Include
- Risk-based safety check intervals (15-60 min based on hazard)
- Multiple communication channels with automatic escalation
- Documented training specific to lone work hazards
- 24/7 human monitoring with emergency response protocols
- Regular program audits and incident review processes
Tailored for Your Industry
Different work environments require tailored approaches to lone worker protection
Utilities & Infrastructure
Workers in manholes, pump stations, and remote facilities face unique isolation risks. CheckMate provides GPS tracking, confined space protocols, and automated welfare checks designed for the realities of utility work.
Municipal Services
Bylaw officers, building inspectors, and public works crews work alone across your community. CheckMate delivers scheduled safety checks, panic buttons, and escalation protocols that keep your municipal workers protected.
Healthcare Workers
Home care workers and community health staff face violence risks and work in unpredictable environments. CheckMate provides violence risk assessment support, duress alarms, and real-time location monitoring.
Natural Resources
Workers in remote areas beyond cellular coverage need specialized protection. CheckMate offers satellite communication, automated check-ins, and emergency beacon integration for complete coverage anywhere in Canada.
Field Service
Technicians visiting unknown sites face unpredictable risks. CheckMate provides journey management, customer verification protocols, and location-aware safety checks for workers on the move.
Property Management
Property managers and maintenance staff work alone in buildings, elevators, and confined spaces. CheckMate delivers building-specific protocols and tenant interaction safety measures.
How CheckMate Works
Protection in four simple steps
Worker Checks In
Via app, phone call, or satellite device at scheduled intervals
System Monitors
24/7 operators track every check-in and location in real-time
Missed Check? We Act
Operators immediately attempt contact and alert supervisors
Emergency Response
If unreachable, we follow their emergency protocols to get help fast
Common Questions
All-Inclusive Protection
Everything your lone workers need—one price
No Hidden Fees. No Surprises. No Monitoring Surcharges.
With CheckMate, human-powered protection is built in from day one. No surprise fees when you actually need someone watching.
Beware the Hidden Cost of "Cheap" Apps
Many app-only solutions advertise low per-user rates, then charge extra for actual human monitoring. When you add it up, they often cost more—and you still don't get 24/7 professional response.
Every Plan Includes:
Understanding Legislation is Only Step One
The real question is whether your current approach would stand up under scrutiny—and whether your team would be supported in the moment that matters most.
Book a Free Consultation →No obligation. We'll walk through your scenario and whether CheckMate is a fit.
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