5 Best Lone Worker Safety Devices for 2025

Every day in the U.S., millions of employees carry out their duties in isolation, without direct supervision or immediate support. 

From healthcare and utilities to construction, retail, and field services, these “lone workers” are a critical part of the economy. Yet the risks they face are staggering.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5,000 workplace fatalities occur in the U.S. annually, averaging over 90 deaths each week across North America. Many of these incidents involve employees working alone, where delayed response times can mean the difference between life and death.

Beyond fatalities, lone workers are exposed to violence, medical emergencies, accidents, and psychological stress, often without the safety net of coworkers nearby. For employers, this not only raises moral and legal responsibilities but also increases liability and compliance risks.

So, how can organizations proactively safeguard lone workers?

In this blog, explore the 5 best lone worker safety devices and solutions for 2025, designed to keep employees protected, connected, and supported when working alone.

Why are Lone Worker Safety Devices important?

A lone worker safety device is designed to protect individuals who frequently work alone or in isolated environments. These tools enable real-time communication, location tracking, and rapid access to emergency assistance.

In the event of an accident, sudden illness, or a threat from others, the worker can instantly raise an alert and connect with support.

For many, these devices serve as a lifeline, providing workers with a sense of security while also offering employers peace of mind. And the demand for such devices is rising as workplace risks increase and new safety regulations continue to evolve.

Think about it: what happens when a worker slips, faints, or faces aggression, and there’s no one around to help? That’s exactly why lone worker safety devices have become essential.

Examples of lone workers include:

• Field technicians
• Utility staff
• Healthcare representatives
• Oil & gas workers

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), more than 1.3 billion mobile workers operate independently worldwide. They face risks like slips, falls, fatigue, or overexertion. Unlike those in team settings, they also deal with the added challenge of having no one nearby to call for help when something goes wrong. That gap makes safety devices essential.

Employers today hold both a moral duty and a legal responsibility to safeguard employees. With technology advancing, businesses now have reliable solutions to reduce risks.

Lone worker safety devices are among the most effective tools available, providing a reliable means for workers to connect, communicate, and receive assistance when it matters most.

• Immediate emergency response – Quick alerts can save lives during medical emergencies or accidents.
• Legal compliance – Many industries face strict safety regulations that mandate protection for lone workers.
• Peace of mind – Workers feel safer, reducing stress and improving productivity.
• Risk management – Helps employers lower liability and protect their reputation.

Investing in them is not just about meeting regulations; it’s about valuing human lives and building a culture of care and responsibility.

5 Best Lone Worker Safety Devices to keep your Employees Safe

1. Panic Devices/Button

For lone workers, immediate access to help can make all the difference. Panic buttons are one of the most effective safety devices, designed to provide fast, discreet alerts in emergencies. These devices can trigger silent alarms or audible alerts, instantly notifying supervisors, on-site security, or a centralized monitoring center that a worker may be in danger.

Panic buttons come in various forms, from manually activated devices to those that automatically trigger based on fall detection or inactivity. This flexibility allows organizations to match the device to the worker’s role and environment, whether it’s a field technician, healthcare worker, or utility staff.

Coram’s wearable Panic Device is a leading example. Compact and lightweight, it is easy to carry and can be clipped to a belt, worn around the neck, or attached to an ID badge. A simple press sends:

• Real-time location to supervisors or monitoring centers
• Worker identification and alert type for precise response
• Multi-channel notifications via text, call, app, or integration with platforms like Slack or MS Teams

Advanced features include multi-level alerts, indoor location tracking, and integration with existing communication or access control systems, providing a complete safety solution.

The benefits extend beyond immediate protection.

• For workers, panic buttons provide instant access to emergency support, peace of mind knowing assistance is always nearby, and discreet communication in sensitive situations.
• For employers, it enables a faster response to incidents, reduces risk and liability, demonstrates a strong commitment to workplace safety, boosts employee confidence and productivity, and supports compliance with safety regulations.

Beyond compliance, it promotes a safety-first culture, improving response times, incident reporting, and employee confidence. When evaluating panic buttons, consider factors such as ease of use, reliability, compatibility, support, and compliance with relevant workplace safety standards.

In today's work environment, Coram’s Panic Device stands out because it combines simplicity for employees with seamless administration, allowing organizations to scale across sites, customize alerts, and maintain a clear record of incidents. Coram guarantees workers get help fast, while organizations maintain full oversight and control.

2. Smartphones

Smartphones are one of the most accessible and practical tools for lone worker safety. Since most employees are already familiar with them, lone worker apps serve as a natural platform for deployment. These apps transform an everyday device into a safety solution, providing workers with quick communication options and organizations with reliable monitoring tools.

Depending on the employer's needs, these apps range from basic emergency alerts to advanced monitoring systems. A simple app may include a one-touch SOS button for instant communication with supervisors. At the same time, more sophisticated solutions provide scheduled check-ins, custom escalation procedures, and real-time monitoring to ensure timely responses during emergencies.

A feature-rich lone worker app offers:

• Sign-on / Sign-off – Workers log shift start and end with a button or timer.
• Check-in timer – Triggers an alert if an employee fails to complete a scheduled check-in.
• Motion timer – Automatic check-in while the worker is moving.
• SOS Alerts / Panic button – Sends immediate alerts to the Control Center.
• Two-way communication – Enables direct messaging with the Control Center.
• Hazard timer – Set a timer for risky environments; alerts if not deactivated within the specified time.
• Live monitoring – Provides real-time data, keeping all workers connected and informed.
• Geofences – Location-based alerts for inclusion and exclusion zones.
• Broadcast messaging – Send messages to all or selected workers.
• Advanced reporting – Integrates with analytics tools for customized reports.
• Configurable escalation plans – Define step-by-step response actions for any situation.

Smartphones, when paired with such apps, go beyond just communication; they create a comprehensive safety net that adapts to each organization’s requirements.

3. Satellite Devices

Satellite devices are essential for lone workers operating in areas with no cellular network, such as remote rural locations, forests, offshore sites, or long stretches of isolated roads. 

Unlike smartphones or Wi–Fi–based tools, these devices rely on satellite technology to transmit and receive signals, ensuring connectivity even in the most remote and inaccessible environments.

With basic two-way communication, workers can confirm their safety, request assistance, or trigger an SOS alert in case of an emergency. Many satellite devices also come with advanced GPS tracking and location monitoring, allowing supervisors to quickly locate a worker who may be lost, injured, or unable to communicate. 

This combination of reliable communication and real-time tracking makes satellite devices one of the most dependable safety tools for high-risk, remote work environments.

4. GPS Tracking

GPS tracking devices play a vital role in protecting lone workers by delivering precise, real-time location updates. Using satellite technology, these devices enable employers to stay connected with their workforce and respond quickly to unexpected situations.

Organizations can choose devices that best suit their needs, whether compact standalone trackers or smartphone-integrated systems, both of which are designed to enhance worker safety and operational control. Modern GPS trackers go beyond simple positioning to provide intelligent features that support proactive monitoring.

Key features of GPS tracking devices include:

• Real-time monitoring - Constant updates on worker movements for instant visibility.
• Geofencing - Virtual boundaries with alerts when workers cross them.
• Automatic incident detection - Identifies falls, inactivity, or emergencies and triggers alerts.
• Customizable notifications - Sends tailored alerts to the right responders.
• Integration capabilities - Works smoothly with other safety systems for a complete solution.

Beyond location, GPS tracking is about fast response, smarter decision-making, and assuring every lone worker feels protected.

5. Fall Detection Devices

Slips, trips, and falls remain one of the biggest workplace risks. In fact, in 2020 alone, 18% of non-fatal work injuries that led to time off were caused by falls. For lone workers, the risk becomes even more critical. A simple accident in a remote location without immediate support can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation if help is delayed.

This is where fall detection devices prove invaluable. These smart wearables utilize sensors and motion analysis to detect sudden impacts, unusual movements, or prolonged inactivity that may indicate a potential fall. Once triggered, the device can automatically send an alert with the worker’s location to supervisors or emergency responders, ensuring help arrives as quickly as possible.

Modern fall detection devices can be tailored to meet your organization’s specific needs, whether through compact wearables, smart badges, or app-based systems that integrate seamlessly with existing safety infrastructure. For employers, it provides a cost-effective and reliable safeguard; for workers, it offers reassurance that they are never truly alone on the job.

What To Look Out For In A Lone Working Device?

Understand Worker Needs:

• Choose standalone devices for simplicity in high-risk environments.
• Use smartphone apps for continuous monitoring, check-ins, and location tracking.
• Consider features like battery life, privacy, automatic alerts, and team management.
• Wearable devices paired with apps offer the best of both worlds.

Flexibility & Deployment:

• Standalone devices - grab-and-go from a central office.
• Apps - assign licenses remotely, ideal for workers across multiple locations or countries.
• Match the solution to your workforce setup - local, remote, or mixed teams.

Monitoring & Alerts:

• Alerts can go to internal supervisors or professional Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs).
• Accredited services like Safepoint’s partnership with ADT provide reliable, fast response.
• Ensure real-time tracking and escalation options fit your company’s needs.

Cost & Scalability:

• Apps are often cheaper with flexible, short-term subscriptions.
• Devices have higher upfront costs but are durable and simple to use.
• For large workforces, request custom quotes to optimize safety and budget.

Select a device that balances usability, monitoring, flexibility, and cost to provide effective protection for lone workers.

Conclusion

Lone workers in the U.S. face unique challenges and heightened risks, from accidents and medical emergencies to exposure to workplace violence. With over 1.3 billion mobile workers worldwide, ensuring the safety of employees working alone has never been more important.

In today’s fast-paced environment, employers must prioritize worker protection, not just to comply with regulations but to build trust, improve morale, and retain top talent.

To support this, organizations can leverage the 5 best lone worker safety devices:

• Panic Devices/Button – instant alerts in emergencies
• Smartphones – app-based monitoring and communication
• Satellite Devices – coverage in remote areas
• GPS Tracking – real-time location monitoring
• Fall Detection Devices – automatic alerts for slips or falls

Solutions like those from Coram combine reliability, scalability, and seamless integration, giving employees and employers confidence that help is always within reach.

For tailored lone worker safety solutions designed for your workforce, reach out to us today, we’re here to help safeguard your team.