We all want to feel safe at work. Whether in an office, a job site, or out in the field, knowing that help is available when we need it gives us peace of mind. But for lone workers—those who work in isolation without direct supervision—staying safe is a much greater challenge. If an emergency happens, they may have no one nearby to call for help.

Lone workers are present in almost every industry—they include home healthcare workers, field service technicians, delivery drivers, security personnel, those in industries like construction or maintenance, and more. In fact, there are an estimated 53 million lone workers across the US, Canada and Europe, comprising about 15% of the overall workforce.

In many parts of the world, including Europe, legislation mandates how employers must protect lone workers, with recent movements in the U.S. and Canada pushing for similar regulations. These laws often require measures such as regular check-ins, violence prevention planning, emergency action plans, and panic buttons to ensure safety.

While such legislation is vital for holding employers accountable, organizations shouldn’t wait for mandates to invest in safety solutions. Proactively addressing lone worker protection fosters a culture of workplace safety and gives lone workers the peace of mind they deserve.

At Guardian MPS we focus on providing simple, reliable tools that offer multiple layers of protection free of the bells and whistles that can get in the way in an emergency.

A variety of tools are available to help lone worker protection. Many of these are app- or Bluetooth-based, while others include standalone devices. But despite the variety of solutions available, many companies’ only plan for their lone workers’ safety is to tell them to call 911.

It’s easy to see why so many employers choose to put their workers’ safety in the hands of a cell phone. According to Consumer Affairs, 91% of Americans own a smartphone, and on average, they check them 144 times a day.

There are compelling reasons for this strategy:

• If an employee forgets their phone at home or in their vehicle, they will almost certainly take the time to retrieve it, which may not be the case with another device.
• Workers are more likely to keep their phone charged than an extra device.

Further, by using a phone-based solution, employers can keep employees safe without having to purchase any physical equipment.

While relying on a workers’ phone may seem like a no-brainer, several challenges come with an app or Bluetooth-only strategy. Technical issues can arise, such as battery drain due to location tracking or poor cell connectivity in certain areas. Bluetoothbased tools can also disconnect unexpectedly or be left out of range of the phone it is connected to.

There are also human factors to contend with. In the midst of an emergency, especially if it involves an altercation with another human, calling for help needs to be as simple and discreet as possible. Safety and de-escalation training will generally advise against big movements like raising your arms or sticking your hands in your pockets, and will also focus on the importance of maintaining eye contact. Yet, to call 911, workers often have to do exactly what they’re trained to avoid.

Even when a worker manages to make the call, help isn’t always immediate. If you’ve called 911 recently, you may have experienced delays due to a nationwide shortage of dispatchers. Callers can be placed on hold, further increasing response times. On top of that, emergency operators require specific details to send help—information that may be difficult or impossible to provide in a high-stress situation.

When it comes to lone worker safety, simpler solutions are often more effective. A streamlined approach that minimizes reliance on complex technology and maximizes ease of use can make all the difference in a crisis.

Doctor entering his home, after a long night shift.

At Guardian MPS, we focus on solutions that prioritize functionality over complexity. Our SafeCall device is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, ensuring that in a crisis, workers can get help quickly without fumbling with complicated technology.

SafeCall is the size of a key fob that acts as a quick access panic button, activated with minimal visual contact. Workers press and hold the button for three seconds—and that’s it. Our team of safety specialists take it from there, alerting emergency services and the workers’ managers. This allows workers to focus on the situation at hand while feeling confident that help is on the way.

As a second layer of protection—and an option for workers that do not want to use a separate device—Guardian MPS offers and app-based panic alarm that operates exactly like the fob.

The app also offers a Check-In and Check-Out timer, allowing workers to check into sessions and specify a checkout time. If they don’t check in at the end of that time period, an escalation process begins. This is particularly useful for high-risk areas, areas with poor or no cell coverage, and as a way to provide specific location information, like an apartment number.

Lone workers face real risks every day. But when it comes to ensuring their safety, effective solutions don’t have to be complex.

At Guardian MPS, we believe that ensuring the safety of lone workers doesn’t need to require expensive solutions and complex technology. Our solutions are straightforward and reliable—critical factors in an emergency—while still providing multiple layers of protection that give employers and workers peace of mind. If your organization is serious about lone worker safety, now is the time to evaluate your current measures and explore a smarter way forward.

Are your lone workers as protected as they should be? Contact Guardian MPS today to learn how our approach can make a difference.