Lone workers are constantly exposed to a wide range of safety risks, including accidents, injuries, and even violent attacks. With no immediate backup or support, these workers are at a higher risk of serious harm or injury. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize their safety and well-being.
By prioritizing the security of lone workers, it not only ensures their safety but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to their employees’ well-being. This has a knock on effect of creating a safer work environment, a positive safety culture, boosts employee morale and productivity. It also reduces the risk of costly lawsuits, damages, and lost productivity due to workplace accidents and injuries.
One company researching lone worker security is Berg Insight, the IoT analyst firm. They have been researching the subject of lone workers and the security solutions they use since 2015. In each report the number of lone workers, solutions available and the value of this market has steadily grown.
In 2017 Berg Insight stated the number of users of dedicated work alone security devices based on GPS and cellular technology on the European market was estimated to grow from 500,000 users in 2017 to reach 1.1 million users at the end of 2022. They predicted in North America, the number of such users would grow from 155,000 in 2017, to reach 375,000 at the end of 2022.
Berg Insight’s report from August of this year shows how close their predictions were. Their findings show that the estimated user base of lone worker security solutions in Europe and North America had grown from 655,000 and was already 1.1 million at the end of 2020! The industry has grown so extensively that it is well on its way to the predicted total of 1.4 million by the end of 2022.
This year’s report has given new predictions for 2025. Berg Insight predict that for Europe and North America the market value for lone worker security solutions and services is anticipated to grow to € 190 million by the end of 2025 and that there could be as many as 1.8 million users.
As a result of this, the UK market is the largest and most mature lone worker market in Europe and North America, followed by the Canadian market.
In Europe, app-based security solutions are estimated to account for around 25 percent of all solutions, while in North America more than 40 percent of the solutions are based on apps for smartphones and tablets. In both regions, app-based solutions are forecasted to account for an increasing share of lone worker service providers in the coming years.
When asked about his thoughts for the future of the dedicated lone worker security device, Bäckman stated, “The greatest opportunities for lone worker safety solution vendors going forward are in the private sector”. The sheer number of workers in the private sector is vastly larger than in the public sector and companies and organizations in the private sector are typically not as restricted in terms of budgets. Selling to private sector organizations requires a different set of capabilities and competencies which vendors need to be aware of and adapt to. “Smaller companies and start-ups that are not weighed down by legacy organizational structures and practices might have an edge over incumbents if the market dynamics changes.” Mr. Bäckman replied.
The number of people working alone in hazardous and exposed environments keeps increasing. It is vital that companies who have lone workers implement a multi-faceted worker safety and security program consistent with their local duty of care standards. Workers who work alone or are in a remote location for periods of time need to have access to a panic button, or other methods of communication, especially if there is a risk of violence. Using a lone worker security system allows security officers, or whoever is monitoring staff, to have an exact location if the worker should need the emergency services.
As mentioned above, lone worker security devices are becoming more crucial to care workers, construction workers, field service workers, mobile workers, maintenance workers, social workers, as well as a wide variety of other services like taxi drivers and bus drivers who are at a higher level for potential risks. Such devices allow people working outside of normal business hours or in potentially dangerous situations, where there is limited supervision or no direct supervision, to have peace of mind. As the apps use timed check ins, there is regular contact with supervisors, and that can be a lifeline to workers. Especially if there is an accident or man-down situation where workers cannot contact supervisors directly.
Knowing a worker’s location in a dangerous situation is vital. Our location monitoring is transparent and protects the worker’s privacy whilst providing the protection they need incase of an emergency alarm.
Employee safety is at the heart of our solution. The app has to be easy for workers to use in any emergency situation, including hands-free options for alarms.
Easily manage your alarm activity and follow the required escalation procedure for any worker safety situation. Our communication options mean any dedicated monitor can be contacted in many different ways.
Our cloud safety monitoring system means no installation is required and you can manage your workforce safety compliance on any device in the office or on the move.
The free smartphone app allows workers to check-in or request help from anywhere in the world with the tap of a finger. Ok Alone’s simple, clean design makes it quick to deploy and easy to support.
Here at Ok Alone we feel we have a security solution which will be suitable for a wide range of companies with lone workers that need protecting. Protect your workforce with our top-rated lone worker solution, providing a personal safety app and a cloud-based dashboard.
As an expert in lone worker content management, I possess an extensive knowledge base and experience in the area of lone working and safety monitoring. My expertise in this field encompasses a wide range of areas, including risk assessment, training, communication, and technology. I have a deep understanding of the unique risks associated with lone workers and have researched and written many projects and articles to educate people in how to mitigate these risks.
Throughout my time with Ok Alone, I have kept up to date with technological developments, legislative changes and regulations that have been introduced to help organizations ensure the safety of their lone workers.
This post was last modified on March 25, 2024 5:08 pm
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