Before an employee can be assigned to work alone in his area, what condition must be met?

• A. They must be able to communicate with others, be heard and seen.
• B. They must have a permit from the union.
• C. They must complete a 40-hour course.
• D. They must carry a two-way radio at all times

Answer: (A)

Being able to communicate with others and be heard and seen is the essential condition before a worker can be assigned to operate alone in their area. In mining environments, solitary work carries higher risk because there’s no one immediately nearby to respond if something goes wrong. If the worker can be heard and seen, supervisors can confirm they are safe, know their exact location, and quickly summon help if an emergency arises. This requirement emphasizes accountability and rapid assistance, which is why it’s the best fit. A union permit isn’t a safety condition for lone work, and while a two-way radio helps communication, the fundamental expectation is that the worker can be reached and observed by others. A 40-hour course might cover safety topics, but it doesn’t guarantee ongoing communication and visibility in daily operations.