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Managing lone workers in health and safety can be a challenge and with 2020 bringing about a new focus on homeworking, it is no longer selected professions that have to worry about how their workers are coping when they are not being supervised. In 2026, hybrid and mobile working patterns mean lone working touches almost every sector, not just the traditionally higher risk roles.
In professions where lone working is very common like engineering and community nursing, lone worker alarms are viewed as a good way to provide employees with the ability to signal others when they are in danger. Quick response to incidents can often be the difference-maker in the severity of the consequences.
A lone worker is a term that can be applied to anyone who works alone, either in a fixed facility or away from their regular base of work. Some of the most common workplaces for lone working include but are not excluded to; factories, hospitals, warehouses, and utilities/maintenance.
What is a lone worker alarm?
A lone worker alarm is a system that enables those working alone to signal when they are experiencing an emergency. The alarm can come in many different forms including smartphones and wearable devices. They are usually sent to a monitoring system that may escalate the incident to the employer or even emergency services. These systems are also known as lone worker protection alarms or lone worker emergency alarms, and the terms are used interchangeably across the industry.
Lone worker alarms in the form of apps are now the most popular solution for their practicality and ease of adoption. Compared with a dedicated device, , they do have a couple of disadvantages: reliance on phone battery life and signal strength being the main ones.
Many apps offer discreet ways to raise an alarm without alerting whoever poses the threat. Pressing the power button a set number of times in quick succession is a common method, and some apps allow a similar shortcut using volume buttons or a specific tap pattern on the screen. This means a worker can trigger help without needing to unlock the phone or open the app itself, which matters if they’re being watched or challenged directly.
Some of the main features to look out for in a lone worker app include:
- Built-in GPS tracking
- BS 8484:2022 accreditation
- Welfare checks
- Check prompts and missed check-in alerts
- Timed alarms
- A discrete alert system
- Worker down alerts (also known as fall detection)
- What3Words integration
These features help cover a wide variety of different hazards that may be presented to lone workers during the course of their duties.
What apps protect lone workers?
There are a number of apps designed to help protect lone workers including the below products, more details can be found on our lone worker alarm suppliers directory.
- Peoplesafe
- Total Mobile
- OK Alone
- StaySafe
- Safepoint
- SoloProtect
For a closer look at how these compare, see our guide to the best lone worker apps.
What’s the difference between a lone worker device and a smartphone app?
Dedicated lone worker devices and lone worker apps share a common core of features: raising an alarm, two-way audio, location logging, fall detection and voice memo recording. Deciding between them usually comes down to the workforce rather than the technology itself.
A dedicated device tends to suit workers who are less familiar with smartphones, or who need a hardware SOS button that is easier to operate with gloves on or with limited dexterity. Devices can also be shared between shifts, which suits organisations with part-time or rotating staff, and they are typically small enough to be worn discreetly.
An app-based solution suits employees who would rather not carry an extra piece of kit. Most apps can raise an alarm from the lock screen or via a paired accessory button, and they tend to offer more flexible check-in and welfare timer options than hardware alone. Providers that offer APIs can also automate certain app actions (e.g. check-in/check-out) using existing workforce management software and workflows.
Many organisations end up running a mix of both, matching the option to the role, the environment and the individual worker’s preference.
Do lone worker alarms use GPS tracking?
Most modern lone worker alarms and apps use GPS to share a worker’s location with a monitoring team, though how that tracking works varies between providers.
Some systems only record location at the moment an alarm is raised or when the worker sends a manual check-in. Others offer continuous tracking, transmitting position at set intervals so a live map is available to managers throughout a shift. The right choice depends on the level of risk identified in the lone worker risk assessment rather than defaulting to the most comprehensive option.
Systems are increasingly combining GPS with indoor positioning technology such as Bluetooth beacons or WiFi triangulation, and some tie into services such as What3Words to pinpoint a location to within a few metres, which matters when a worker cannot describe exactly where they are.
Access to this data should be tightly controlled. A monitoring centre should only be able to view live location during an active alarm, and within the employer’s own systems, access should be limited to managers who genuinely need it, to protect worker privacy alongside their safety.
What industry standards matter for lone worker alarm monitoring?
Anyone choosing a lone worker alarm system should check what accreditations the provider holds, because these give a reliable signal of how the alarm is monitored and how quickly help can be summoned.
The standard to look for is BS 8484:2022, which covers lone worker device and monitoring quality. Providers certified against it can request a Unique Reference Number (URN), which allows their Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to connect directly to a local police control room rather than going through the standard 999 queue, saving valuable time in a genuine emergency.
Full accreditation under BS 8484 covers five separate elements: the company, the products, the staff, the Alarm Receiving Centre itself, and the response service. A handful of established providers, including Peoplesafe, hold accreditation across all five. Alarm Receiving Centres should also be able to show certification such as BS EN 50518 or BS 5979 Category II, which cover the resilience and security of the monitoring centre.
Data security matters just as much as physical response. Look for providers that hold ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, which show that a provider takes the protection of worker data as seriously as the emergency response itself.
How much does a lone worker alarm cost?
Cost is often one of the first questions employers ask, and the answer depends heavily on the solution required, the number of users and the length of contract.
App-based subscription can start from £5 per month with upfront costs variable depending on the provider. Dedicated devices can start from £10/11. When looking at devices with more specialist features like satellite coverage, ATEX and body-worn cameras, ongoing and upfront costs can be much higher.
Beyond the headline price, factor in setup and onboarding, contract length, and whether monitoring is charged separately from the device or app. The cheapest option on paper is not always the best value if it leaves gaps in coverage for higher risk roles, so weigh cost against the findings of your lone worker risk assessment rather than the other way around.
What are the different types of lone worker alarms?
With different industries requiring slightly different approaches, there are also different alarms with alternative functions that help protect lone workers.
SOS alarm: when workers are confronted with an attacker
When confronted by a threatening attacker or intimidating behaviour, an SOS alarm empowers you to discreetly call for help. With a simple activation, the duress alarm sends a silent notification to the Alarm Receiving Centre, alerting them of your situation without provoking the threat. SOS alarms are a vital safety tool, providing peace of mind and a discrete line of defence for lone workers.
Fall detection alarm: used to detect changes in orientation
Fall detection alarms are designed to detect a falling motion linked to slips, trips and medical emergencies, instantly sending an alert for help. This is also referred to as a man down or worker down alarm. When a worker becomes incapacitated, a fall detection alarm acts as a guardian angel, automatically notifying designated responders that assistance is needed without needing to press a button. This critical safety device provides peace of mind for lone workers and ensures they receive help quickly in a time of crisis.
Panic alarm: used when a sudden incident has caused panic
Highly visible and readily accessible, panic alarms are lifesavers in emergency situations. When a sudden incident triggers overwhelming panic, a panic alarm provides an immediate way to call for help. With a simple activation, a panic alarm can summon assistance during critical moments, offering peace of mind and a sense of security.
Discreet panic alarm: used to send an alert without raising suspicion
In threatening situations where escalating the tension could worsen the danger, discreet panic alarms offer a silent lifeline. Unlike traditional alarms, discreet panic alarms allow a worker feeling threatened and panicked to silently call for help. With the press of a pre-selected button (e.g. power button a set number of times), a discreet panic alarm can send a silent notification to the Alarm Receiving Centre, discreetly summoning help without alerting the potential threat.
These are some of the lone worker alarms that are available on the market and they all have different uses which can help to protect employees even when they are faced with challenging and unpredictable situations. This is crucial given the increased risk workers face when they are operating alone.
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Industry Spotlight: Lone worker alarms
Lone worker alarms in construction
Construction sites bring together some of the highest risk lone working scenarios: contractors carrying out out-of-hours inspections, workers on remote parts of a site with no phone signal, and staff working at height or with plant machinery unsupervised.
A construction lone worker alarm needs to cope with patchy signal and noisy environments, so look for devices with a physical SOS button that works through gloves, strong fall or man-down detection, and, on remote sites, satellite connectivity as a backup to mobile networks. Check-in timers are also useful for tasks such as confined space entry or working at height, where a missed check-in should trigger an alert automatically rather than waiting for someone to notice a worker has gone quiet.
Within construction ‘lone working’ is not confined to the site; workers from wider industries such as facilities management and utilities are often required within larger building projects. Lone workers need protecting here too, and alarms and apps are a great way to do that.
Lone worker alarms in healthcare
Healthcare workers who visit patients in their own homes, whether community nurses, care workers or social workers, face a particular combination of risks: unfamiliar locations, limited control over the environment, and the possibility of aggression from a patient or their family.
A healthcare worker lone worker alarm needs a genuinely discreet way to raise the alarm. Typically, devices worn as an ID badge or lanyard, paired with a built-in SOS alarm and two-way audio are the most popular solutions. NHS trusts and home care providers increasingly build this into standard kit for community-facing staff rather than treating it as optional.
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How to protect lone workers
Part of the risk associated with lone working is the lack of supervision and help that can be given in the event of an accident. If a worker does come in harm’s way the lack of a speedy response can prove fatal. Also, the need to sometimes make instant safety decisions without the input of another person can raise an additional risk to lone working.
- Employer Duties: Under UK law, employers with lone workers must prioritise safety with a comprehensive risk assessment. Identify potential hazards, from violence to accidents, and implement control measures to mitigate them. This could involve providing lone worker alarms, establishing regular check-in procedures, and ensuring a safe working environment. Training on risk awareness, emergency response, and de-escalation techniques is vital for lone workers.
- Technology for Security: Utilise technology to bolster lone worker security. Consider dedicated lone worker devices for field workers, or lone working apps with panic buttons. Lone worker alarms can discreetly summon help in emergencies. Remember, technology is a tool, so ensure proper training and support systems are in place alongside it.
- Communication and Awareness: Both employers and lone workers have responsibilities. Employers should maintain clear communication channels and keep track of lone worker schedules and locations. Lone workers should be aware of their surroundings, trust their instincts, and report any safety concerns. By working together, a culture of safety can be established to protect lone workers.
There are a significant number of lone workers within the UK and the recent normalisation of home workers has likely increased this. Additionally roles that may have in the past required two workers now require one as is touched on in a recent podcast from the Rail Safety and Standards Board.
For a fuller breakdown of employer duties, read our full guide on how employers should protect lone workers.
What are lone worker alarms good for?
There are some natural benefits to lone worker alarms including the general reduction of response times to major and minor incidents concerning lone workers. They are particularly useful in environments where lone working employees are at a greater risk of slipping and falling.
In some cases, lone worker alarm systems are also designed so that they can be activated if a worker is impaired or knocked unconscious. This partial removal of the ‘human error’ variable associated with lone worker alarms helps to increase their overall effectiveness.
How you can help protect lone workers
Whilst lone worker alarms are a great way to provide an added safety net to those working in isolation, they need to be part of a holistic approach to worker safety if you are going to stop your lone workers from becoming endangered.
Employers have a duty of care towards workers as outlined by the HSE Executive through the health and safety at work act. As a result, when work is being done in isolation the employer will need to carry out extra measures to ensure they protect lone workers.
Some of the key steps to take when protecting lone workers include conducting the appropriate lone worker risk assessments and developing a robust lone worker policy. Beyond that training is also good to show employees how they can work safely when they are not being supervised.
When conducting a lone worker risk assessment, a lone worker alarm could be a good way to introduce a controlling measure for the risks that employees may be exposed to when operating in isolation. It is vital to stay up to date with the latest best practice when it comes to lone workers, as the recent HSE review of the current guidance has shown.
Author Bio
David Foy: Head of Content at HSE Network
David leads the content delivery team at HSE Network and handles the day to day management of advertorial and editorial content campaigns. David has experience in safety content creation across written and podcast-based mediums and has been working with HSE Network for over 5 years.
