When you work alone, your kit is your back-up. There is no colleague to grab a first aid box or call for help. So what you carry matters more than it would in a busy team.
This guide covers the basics every lone worker should have, plus a few extras for higher risk roles. It is written for UK workers and the managers who look after them.
Start with the risk assessment
Kit should never be picked at random. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess the risks their staff face, and HSE expects lone working to be part of that. The answers shape the kit list.
A meter reader in a town centre needs different gear from a ranger on a hillside. Where does the person work? What could go wrong? How long might it take for help to arrive?
A way to raise the alarm
This is the most important item on the list. A mobile phone is a start, but it is not always enough. In a crisis, unlocking a phone and dialling can take too long, or be impossible.
A dedicated lone worker safety device lets someone call for help with one press. Good devices link to a 24/7 alarm receiving centre, where trained staff can listen in, see a GPS location and send the right help. Look for these features:
- An SOS button that is easy to find by touch
- Two-way audio so the operator can talk and listen
- GPS location shared when an alarm is raised
- Fall or man down alerts for staff who could be knocked out
- Accreditation to BS 8484, the British Standard for lone worker device services
BS 8484 is worth a closer look. A service certified to it can give users a Unique Reference Number, which helps verified alarms reach police control rooms quickly.
Basic personal kit
Some items cost very little but help a lot. Every lone worker should think about carrying:
- A fully charged phone and a small power bank
- A compact first aid kit
- A torch, even in summer
- Clear ID, such as a photo badge
- Water and a snack for longer shifts
Weather matters too. Warm layers and waterproofs make sense for anyone working outdoors in the UK, where conditions can change fast.
Kit for special settings
Some jobs need more. Staff in remote areas with no mobile signal may need a satellite device, since standard phones and SIM-based alarms will not work there. People in sites with explosive atmospheres need equipment that is ATEX approved, so it does not create a spark risk.
Proper PPE also belongs on the list. Hard hats, high-vis clothing, gloves and safety boots all play a part, based on what the risk assessment says.
Keep it working
Kit only helps if it works on the day. Build simple habits into the routine. Charge devices every night. Test the alarm on a regular basis, following the provider's advice. Restock the first aid kit after use.
Training matters as much as the gear itself. Staff should know how to raise an alarm, what happens next and who will respond.
Small steps, real protection
You do not need a huge budget to keep lone workers safe. Start with a clear risk assessment, pick a reliable alarm and cover the basics. Then ask your staff what they need. A short chat often reveals gaps no checklist would spot.
