The Importance of a Working Alone Alarm

Lone working is a commonplace occurrence in many industries. However, if not managed correctly, the risks to employees can be high. It’s important for lone workers to have a robust check-in procedure, conduct hazard assessments before each job, avoid high risk tasks and always carry basic first aid equipment. They should also wear PPE (personal protective equipment) at all times and be aware of the surroundings, particularly in isolated or remote areas. It is also essential to report any incidents or hazards as they occur, even if it doesn’t affect the completion of the task at hand.





A working alone alarm can provide staff with the reassurance that help is just a button away, in the event that they do encounter any difficulties whilst at work. They can be configured to alert friends and family, or to a dedicated 24/7 call centre where they can speak to an experienced nurse who will assess their needs and arrange immediate assistance.

Using a lone worker device with built-in GPS means that staff are tracked at all times, even when their phone is turned off or the app is not active. This helps managers and supervisors monitor the status of a worker and can be an effective way to ensure that they have been compliant with their duty of care, especially in the case of an accident.

Some lone working devices are designed to look like pendants or watches and can be worn discreetly, giving the wearer a discreet means of signalling that they need help. They can be customised with pre-programmed commands such as ‘Working alone check in’ or ‘Get help’ and are often equipped with a fall detection (also known as man down alarm) that can detect a fall from a height.

Whether you’re managing healthcare staff who are vulnerable to workplace violence or contractors who work in hazardous environments, the right lone worker alarm can be the difference between life and death. In 2020 there were 158 deaths from work-related incidents, underlining how vital an effective emergency response system is for lone workers.

Duress alarm Insights is an all-in-one lone worker solution that helps you manage your lone worker safety programme more efficiently. Its mobile-first approach makes it easy for your staff to use, while empowering you with the data you need to make informed decisions. You can easily access the “Latest Location” of your users to redeploy them to new jobs or confirm a delivery, for example, and you can review all alarm reporting, including audio relating to genuine Red Alerts, to inform your response.

man down alarm Managing lone working staff can be a challenge, especially when they are located across multiple sites or work unsociable hours. A working alone alarm is a simple and cost-effective way to improve the overall security of your team, helping to keep them safe in their everyday roles. Our lone worker solutions can be tailored to fit your risk requirements and are compatible with existing health and safety systems.