36% of Lone Workers Had Accident Last Year
In the U.S., 38% of workers identify as lone workers, and 36% said they experienced an accident while working alone in the previous year.
This is according to the 2026 Workplace Safety report from Ecoline, which surveyed 1, 267 workers.
Lone working is most prevalent among younger workers, with 42% of the 18–34 age group identifying as lone workers, compared to 36% of the 35–49 group and 27% of the 50–65 group.
By industry, utilities, oil and gas have the highest rate of accidents at 48%, followed by construction at 41% and manufacturing at 35%.
Decline in Confidence
Lone worker confidence in employer safety responsibility has deteriorated since 2025, when 67% of lone workers overall agreed their employer took great responsibility for their safety.
Despite the high accident rate, only 65% of lone workers agree that their company takes great safety responsibility for lone workers.
Safety Concerns
Lone workers are most worried about stress and mental health issues, fatigue and accidents.
The survey asked how worried respondents were about the following types of risks. Here are the replies.
- Stress/mental health issues -- 50%
- Fatigue -- 48%
- Accidents -- 46%
- Falls -- 48%
- Extreme Weather -- 46%
- Sudden bad health requiring immediate care -- 45%
- Aggression/assaults from other people -- 42%
- Exposure to harmful chemicals -- 40%
The report concludes, "the data points to a fundamental gap between evolving ways of working and existing safety models. Without stronger visibility and safeguards, risk will continue to outpace protection."