Buyer’s Guide to Lone Worker Safety Systems
There are a range of different personal safety options to protect employees working alone starting with basic, cost-effective methods (e.g. an internal whiteboard system or buddy system up to sophisticated IoT technology, such as smartphone apps and dedicated lone worker devices.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The main types of lone worker safety systems available
- The difference between smartphone apps and dedicated safety devices
- How monitored and self-managed solutions compare
- Which features to consider when choosing a system
- How to match a solution to your employees’ risks and working environments
- What to consider when comparing providers and costs
Lone Worker Safety Systems Comparison
Lone worker safety systems vary in how they are used, monitored and managed. The table below compares the main options to help employers identify which approach may be most suitable for their workforce, working environment and level of risk.
| Option | Best suited to | Key advantages | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buddy or whiteboard system | Small teams working in predictable locations | Simple and inexpensive | Relies heavily on manual processes and colleagues remembering to check in |
| Smartphone safety app | Employees who carry compatible smartphones | Accessible, flexible and cost-effective | Performance may depend on battery life, mobile signal and phone availability |
| Dedicated lone worker device | Higher-risk roles or demanding environments | Purpose-built, discreet and often includes specialist safety features | Requires employees to carry and maintain an additional device |
| Self-managed system | Organisations with an internal team available to respond | Greater control over alerts and escalation | The organisation remains responsible for monitoring and responding |
| Professionally monitored system | Organisations requiring dependable 24/7 support | Alerts are handled by trained professionals according to an agreed escalation process | Usually involves an ongoing service fee |
Lone Worker Safety Systems FAQs
What is a lone worker safety system?
A lone worker safety system is a method or technology used to protect employees who work without direct supervision or immediate support. It can include manual check-ins, smartphone apps, dedicated safety devices, location tracking and professionally monitored alarm services.
What types of lone worker safety systems are available?
Common options include buddy systems, manual check-in procedures, smartphone safety apps, dedicated lone worker devices and professionally monitored services. The most suitable option depends on the employee’s role, working environment and level of risk.
How do I choose the right lone worker safety system?
Start with a lone worker risk assessment. Consider the hazards employees may face, where they work, mobile signal availability, how quickly help may be needed and who will respond to an alert. The system should be practical for employees to use throughout their working day.
What is the difference between a lone worker app and a dedicated device?
A lone worker app uses an employee’s smartphone and can provide features such as check-ins, SOS alerts and location sharing. A dedicated device is purpose-built for safety and may be better suited to higher-risk roles, demanding environments or employees who cannot reliably access a phone.
Should a lone worker system be self-managed or professionally monitored?
A self-managed system sends alerts to an employer, manager or nominated contact, who must then respond. A professionally monitored system connects alerts to trained operators who can assess the situation and follow an agreed escalation process. The right choice depends on the organisation’s internal resources and the risks involved.
What features should a lone worker safety system include?
Useful features may include an SOS alarm, scheduled check-ins, fall detection, two-way communication, location sharing and an escalation process. The features selected should reflect the risks identified in the organisation’s lone worker risk assessment.
Do all lone workers need the same type of protection?
No. An employee working alone in an office may have very different safety needs from someone working in a remote location, travelling between sites or carrying out high-risk tasks. Protection should be matched to the individual’s role, environment and level of risk.
How much does a lone worker safety system cost?
Costs vary depending on whether the organisation uses a basic manual process, a smartphone app, a dedicated device or a professionally monitored service. Employers should compare the full service, including devices, monitoring, support, training and ongoing fees, rather than considering the initial price alone.
