Lone Worker Safety Devices

Lone worker safety devices provide a way for employees who work alone to signal help from remote locations without needing to leave their jobs. These devices may range from small, wearable panic buttons to handheld satellite communication devices. Some also allow workers to check in with their employer on a regular basis so that any missed alerts can trigger an automatic emergency response.

Lone working employees face a greater risk of being targeted by criminals, experiencing an accident or becoming incapacitated while on the job. This makes a lone worker device important to the overall security of a workplace and it’s essential for companies to invest in a dependable solution.

Unlike mobile phones and other personal devices, a lone worker safety device is designed specifically for this type of use. They typically incorporate key features that include GPS location tracking, two-way messaging and a manual or automatic emergency response system. Some are designed to be worn as a badge or tag and can be easily activated with a push of a button or triggered by motion sensors. Others are portable satellite devices that can be used in areas with no cell phone coverage and come with a long-life battery.

There are many different types of lone worker safety devices, making it vital to do a thorough risk assessment to determine which are most suitable for your employees. For example, home health care nurses may be at risk when visiting unfamiliar neighborhoods, while electrical workers can encounter high voltage hazards. Identifying the main threats for your lone workers will help you decide which devices to consider and which software platforms to use to manage them.

Once you’ve decided on a lone worker safety device, it’s a good idea to discuss their implementation with your team. Ask employees if they feel safer and more confident at work knowing they can call for assistance quickly if they feel threatened or see something suspicious. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show that you take employee safety seriously and that you value their input.





Many lone worker safety devices are integrated into apps that can be downloaded to existing mobile phones or tablets. This approach reduces costs and saves on training as lone workers will already be familiar with using the technology. It also allows employers to customize the app to meet specific lone worker requirements, such as configurable teams and emergency escalation responses.

One such lone worker safety device is the Garmin inReach SC500, a satellite communications device that provides lone workers with a comprehensive and effective tool to protect themselves and their colleagues. This rugged, dependable device has built-in GPS to pinpoint the worker’s position and offers two-way communication and an automatic emergency response. It also provides a full set of reporting and management functions including the ability to configure unique teams, monitor activity, and send reports from the field via a single platform. For more information, please see our guide to lone worker safety devices. best lone worker safety devices