Working alone can be an essential part of a person’s job role. Even if they’re not a sole lone worker, many job roles do require the individual to be lone working from time to time. Lone working can leave the individual in a vulnerable position and therefore they need added protection to ensure they are safe at all times. Those who may require this extra later of security are security guards working out of hours or those putting in extra hours alone, such as in an office.
A Note on Current UK Lone Working Trends: The number of people classed as lone workers in the UK is estimated to be over 6.8 million, or around 22% of the workforce, according to recent industry estimates. This figure is continuously growing due to increased remote working, gig economy roles, and out-of-hours facility management, making robust safety protocols more critical than ever before. Protecting this significant portion of the workforce is not just a moral imperative, but a core component of modern operational strategy.
What is Lone Worker Monitoring?
Lone worker monitoring is when a third-party monitoring provider will monitor, check in and oversee the lone worker during their shift to ensure they are safe, there are no risks and no incidents have taken place. If an event or emergency did occur, such as an intrusion, fire or accident, the monitoring provider would be able to either warn the lone worker or carry out the necessary actions to get the necessary help.
There are multiple ways and solutions in which lone worker monitoring can take place. It can be tailored to the needs of the client and the type of lone work being carried out. Different solutions can also be carried out depending on the security and safety systems the site has in place. Examples include:
- Remote CCTV monitoring of the lone worker
- Regular check-ins with the lone worker
- Tracking devices & panic alarms worn by the lone worker, which sends automatic signals to the monitoring provider and their alarms receiving centre (ARC).
The shift from manual, time-consuming check-in procedures to advanced, automated systems highlights the evolution of safety protocols. Modern lone worker solutions utilise sophisticated technology, including apps with fall detection and ‘man-down’ features, which can automatically trigger an alert if no movement is detected for a specific period. These proactive measures are crucial, especially for sectors like manufacturing and waste/recycling where environments can be hazardous. This integrated approach allows our expert team at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to offer a level of protection that manual checks simply cannot match, as we detail further in our article on how RMS ensures reliable monitoring with redundant systems. Furthermore, for sites with existing security infrastructure, our CCTV monitoring services can be seamlessly integrated to provide visual verification during an incident, ensuring a faster and more accurate response.
In addition to personal safety alarms, businesses increasingly leverage remote patrol services and virtual concierge solutions to enhance lone worker safety and site security simultaneously. This is particularly relevant in environments such as offices and student accommodation, where lone staff may be responsible for securing the premises or dealing with late-night access control. The integration of AI in remote security monitoring is also dramatically improving the accuracy of alerts, reducing false alarms and ensuring that operator attention is focused on genuine threats to a lone worker’s safety.
8 Benefits of Lone Worker Monitoring
1. Improved Lone Worker Safety
Having lone worker monitoring in place significantly improves the safety of those working alone. By being constantly and professionally monitored by an external team, any issue can be immediately reported and the necessary action taken. Whether the employee has had a fall or been a victim of crime, the monitoring operatives will be at their aid.
2. Reduced Risk of Workplace Violence and Assault
The risk of violence is a major concern for lone workers, especially those who interact with the public or handle valuable goods. Statistics show that the UK experiences an estimated 649,000 incidents of violence at work in a single year, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a figure that underscores the need for proactive protection. For lone workers, the lack of immediate support makes them particularly vulnerable. Modern monitoring solutions, especially those featuring discreet panic buttons, provide an immediate lifeline, dramatically reducing the time an employee is exposed to a threat. This focus on staff protection is a key reason why many choose to partner with us, as detailed in our Why Choose Us section.
Understanding how to protect your business with remote CCTV monitoring is essential, as visual verification can be the key to rapid police response in these high-risk scenarios.
3. Lone Workers Feel Supported
Lone work can be an isolating experience, especially when carried out out-of-hours without any other individuals around. Knowing that they are fully supported and their safety monitored, lone workers will be able to carry out their work confidently and efficiently. This sense of security is a powerful tool for improving staff morale and retention, as explored in detail in our article on how 24/7 monitoring improves efficiency in facility management.
More Reliant Than Using Mobile Phones
Many lone workers use their mobile phones as a means to communicate if they encounter an issue or are in an emergency. However, mobile phones can’t always be relied upon, especially if the lone worker is in an area with no mobile reception or internet access, loses or has their phone stolen, or is in a situation whereby they are unable to reach or use it. These factors don’t affect the effectiveness of lone worker monitoring and therefore it is a much more reliant, effective and successful way to protect lone workers. Dedicated devices and professionally managed apps often use multi-network SIM cards to ensure the highest possible coverage, providing a crucial safety net where a single-carrier mobile phone might fail.
Location Tracking
A benefit of lone worker monitoring is being able to track the location of lone workers. The monitoring operatives will therefore know the location of every lone worker and can identify that there are where they should be at any given time. If a worker happens to be in the wrong location or perhaps hasn’t moved locations at all, this could be a cause for concern and the operatives would contact the lone worker to check on their safety and carry out any necessary actions needed. This location data is vital for a quick response, allowing emergency services to be directed to the precise location, whether the lone worker is in a remote area or a large property requiring intruder monitoring.
Oversee Employee Behaviour
Lone worker monitoring also provides the benefits of overseeing the employee’s behaviour throughout their shift or time on site. Without other individuals around, it can be hard to know that lone workers are behaving appropriately and carrying out their duties. With lone worker monitoring in place, the monitoring operatives can make sure the employee is carrying out their task to a suitable standard. This remote oversight is particularly valuable in environments where maintaining strict protocols, such as fire safety, is critical, as discussed in our guide to top compliance mistakes with fire alarm monitoring.
Quick Response to Incidents
A major concern for lone workers is that if something happens and they’re unable to immediately call for help, how long will it take for someone to find them? The reality is that it could be hours, especially if they are carried out a night shift. With lone worker monitoring in place, the monitoring operatives work around the clock and therefore will be able to quickly identify any issue, especially if a CCTV system is in place.
At RMS, our monitoring operatives are highly trained to respond to incidents as quickly and as efficiently as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and decide on the appropriate response and action it in minimal time, whether that be contacting the keyholder, the police or fire and rescue services. Our commitment to fire alarm monitoring and response ensures that all emergency types are handled with the same urgency, providing a comprehensive safety solution for all staff.
Meets Legal Duty of Care
Employers must meet their legal duty of care when it comes to their lone workers, ensuring that they’re not subjected to any high-risk situations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explicitly states that employers must conduct a risk assessment and introduce suitable controls to protect the health and safety of lone workers. Lone worker monitoring is one of the most effective ways to meet this legal requirement, as it provides a clear, auditable safety procedure. It not only helps protect individuals against any potential crime or injury but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee welfare, which is essential for maintaining compliance. We also offer remote health & safety patrols to support your overall compliance strategy.
Peace of Mind
A benefit of lone worker monitoring that must not be overlooked, it the peace of mind it brings to both the lone worker and the end-user. Knowing that their employees have an added layer of protection when they carry out their work, in addition to there being a quick response measure in place if needed, can bring confidence to all those involved. This psychological benefit significantly contributes to a positive work culture and can reduce staff burnout related to safety anxieties, a growing focus in modern occupational health studies, such as those published by Mind UK on workplace stress and anxiety.
Is lone worker monitoring worth it?
The benefits of lone worker monitoring are endless. It is impossible to put a price on safety and security, especially that of an individual, making lone worker monitoring arguably an essential part of a client’s day-to-day operations. This investment in safety can also have a tangible impact on business finances by positively affecting insurance premiums, reducing liability risk, and minimising costly operational downtime caused by incidents. For businesses in high-risk sectors like restaurants and retail, where out-of-hours cash handling or cleaning is common, the return on investment through loss prevention and compliance assurance is substantial.
How to set up lone worker monitoring?
At RMS, our lone worker monitoring service is unparalleled to others in the industry. We pride ourselves on our highly-trained monitoring operatives, combined with our transparent, honest and world-class customer service. Our approach is to offer a bespoke, integrated solution that can include non-security monitoring elements like flood or temperature alarms alongside personal safety features, creating a truly comprehensive safety net.
If you’re interested in setting up a new lone worker monitoring solution or are looking for a new monitoring contract, get in touch with us online or call us on 0330 002 1149 for a FREE quote.
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