There are a range of lone worker safety solutions on the market, each claiming to outperform the rest.

The reality is that lone workers in different sectors and company sizes have different needs.

Below is a breakdown of the main types of lone worker safety systems available and their advantages/ disadvantages.

Got any questions? Speak to our team

 

Buddy Systems

Pros

  • Cheap
  • No devices needed

 

Cons

  • Staff forget to keep in touch regularly
  • Hard to confirm staff usage
  • No automatic alarm escalation process

 

Verdict:

The classic stop-gap for lone worker safety and preferred choice for corner-cutting, buddy systems are notoriously inefficient and staff frequently don’t take part leaving colleagues vulnerable. The human factor makes buddy systems unreliable and overworked staff frequently cut corners.

 

Live Call Centres

Pros

  • No devices or an automated system is needed
  • Staff are able to speak to a person

 

Cons

  • Staff need time/ security to make a call
  • No automated alarms are possible unless combined with another system

 

Verdict:

Best for companies who have small numbers of staff carrying out infrequent lone working.

Live call centres can be used in conjunction with a system to enhance user safety, but are less suitable for emergency response when it may be more advisable to contact the emergency services directly!

 

Mobile Solutions

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • No dedicated devices needed & will work with any phone
  • Staff rarely forget to take their mobile phone!
  • No technical knowledge is needed
  • Supports tender + insurance applications
  • Discreet- mobile phones will not draw attention to staff or make them a ‘target’
  • Timed countdown ensures alarms are raised automatically, even if staff are unable to actively seek help.
  • Encourages staff to consider the risks before tasks

Cons

  • Require phone signal

 

Verdict:

Ideal for organisations who are looking for effective lone worker safety on a budget, and for staff who feel uncomfortable with technical specialist devices. An automated phone system strikes a balance between poorly organised ad-hoc systems and expensive high-tech devices.

Find out more about Lookout Call

 

Apps

Pros

  • No dedicated device needed
  • Discreet- will not draw attention to staff or make them a ‘target’
  • Supports tender + insurance applications
  • GPS functionality

Cons

  • Requires expensive smartphones
  • Requires regular software updates
  • Difficult for users unfamiliar with technology
  • GPS drains battery life of phone
  • GPS may be regarded as ‘big brother’
  • Requires phone signal/ internet access

 

Verdict:

Find out more about the Lookout Call App

 

Devices

Pros

  • Multiple options
  • Tangible
  • Supports tender + insurance applications
  • GPS functionality

 

Cons

  • High cost of devices
  • Easily broken or lost
  • Staff often forget to carry them at all times
  • Inconvenient extra baggage
  • Poor battery life
  • GPS may be regarded as ‘big brother’
  • Do not encourage staff to be more risk conscious
  • May be regarded with suspicion by the workers clients

 

Verdict:

Ideal for large organisations with a large budget and defined management practices.

Specialist devices which do not require phone signal are suitable for staff working in remote/ rural areas