Who is defined as a lone worker in railway operations?

In railway operations, a lone worker is defined as an individual who does not receive On-Track Safety (OTS) from another roadway worker. This means that the lone worker is operating, performing tasks, or working in a dedicated area without the benefit of on-site supervision or safety assurances provided by fellow workers.

This designation is important for understanding safety protocols, as lone workers may be at higher risk without the support and communication that typically come from working in a team environment. The correct identification of a lone worker helps ensure that proper safety measures and protocols are followed to mitigate potential hazards.

In contrast, those engaged in team tasks, members of a roadway work group, or individuals supervising others typically have support structures in place, which distinguishes them from lone workers in terms of safety management and operational practices.