If your team works out in the field – whether that’s housing officers, engineers, carers, or surveyors – having the right lone worker app can make all the difference between a close call and a crisis.
Equipping your team with a lone worker solution means they can call for help instantly in an emergency, ensuring a faster response when it matters most, while also giving everyone greater peace of mind and helping you stay compliant.
In the UK, the standard to look for is BS 8484 accreditation paired with an accredited Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). This combination gives you access to Level 1 police response in life-threatening emergencies.
Of course, it’s not just about ticking compliance boxes. In real-world situations, features like man-down detection, two-way audio, and coverage options for low-signal or satellite areas can be lifesaving when connectivity fails.
At Vatix, we speak with customers daily who’ve tried a range of lone worker apps before landing on the right fit. That means we’ve got a clear picture of what works best in different scenarios and where each solution shines or falls short.
Below, we’ve put together a breakdown of the top lone worker apps in the UK. For each, you’ll see their key strengths, considerations, and the situations they’re best suited for.
Best Lone Worker Apps in the UK
Vatix
Overview
Vatix offers both a lone worker app and lone worker devices, supported by two UK-based Alarm Receiving Centres (EN 50518 Cat 1, BS 8484 certified). Management of both solutions is simple and can be handled via the Vatix Workspace so that customers can monitor incidents, inspections, and risks in the same platform. The straightforward set-up of the app is perfect for smaller companies looking to get started quickly with lone worker safety, but the EHS software integration also caters to larger organisations looking for a more comprehensive health and safety solution.
Advantages
- The Vatix lone worker app includes Check-In and HomeSafe features, which allow you to get regular updates and reassurance on team safety throughout the day.
- Vatix is a fully certified BS 8484 solution, supported by accredited Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) that can provide Level 1 police escalation in life-threatening emergencies.
- Unlike many providers, Vatix goes beyond lone worker protection by combining it with a comprehensive EHS software suite, allowing organisations to manage incidents, inspections, and risks in one integrated platform.
Considerations
- HomeSafe and Check In features rely on your team's participation, so ensure that education and training are factored in to emphasise the importance of prompt engagement.
Best for:
Vatix is best for organisations that want a flexible lone worker app that can scale with them – whether you’re a smaller team looking for a quick, straightforward safety solution or a larger organisation that also needs integrated EHS management in one platform.
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StaySafe (EcoOnline)
Overview
StaySafe was founded in 2011 and was one of the original app-only providers. Now part of EcoOnline, they provide global coverage through a network of third-party monitoring centres or via in-house monitoring, where alerts route to nominated managers.
Advantages
- StaySafe is an app-first solution, making it straightforward for organisations that prioritise mobile deployment over dedicated hardware.
- It also offers flexibility in how alerts are handled. Some customers choose to use the internal escalation option, routing alerts directly to managers, rather than relying on a full Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
Considerations
- StaySafe does not provide dedicated lone worker devices, which means it may not be the right fit for organisations that require hardware options.
- Users are required to provide a spreadsheet of users and escalation contacts to be passed on to their monitoring partners. Changes also have to be sent by email, which could delay actioning important updates to escalation contacts.
Best for:
With global coverage, StaySafe is best for connectivity and protecting an international team.
Safepoint
Overview
A UK provider offering a lone worker app and device monitoring, with a partnership with ADT for 24/7 ARC services. They are also BS 8484:2022 accredited.
Advantages
- Safepoint is backed by ADT, a well-known monitoring partner, which can give organisations confidence in the reliability of its emergency response service.
- It also provides two-way audio and team management features, making it easier to stay connected with staff and coordinate support when incidents occur.
Considerations
- Safepoint doesn’t currently support two-factor authentication or SAML, so it may not align with the cybersecurity requirements of larger organisations.
Best for:
Safepoint is best for smaller organisations that prefer to manage monitoring in-house, but still want the option of professional ARC support.
Peoplesafe
Overview
Peoplesafe is the result of a roll-up of formerly independent vendors — Skyguard, Guardian24, Peoplesafe, Alertcom, Safe Shores Monitoring, and OK Alone — all acquired under investment ownership and consolidated into the Peoplesafe brand. It operates its own Cat 1 EN 50518 ARC, accredited to BS 8484:2022.
Advantages
- Peoplesafe is one of the largest lone worker providers in the UK, offering nationwide coverage with URN access for rapid police escalation.
- The company also provides a wide range of apps and devices, with added functionality like what3words integration to help pinpoint worker locations more accurately during an emergency.
Considerations
- Some of Peoplesafe’s features are offered as add-ons rather than being included in the core subscription, which can increase costs for organisations that need a full suite of capabilities.
Best for:
Peoplesafe is best for organisations that need nationwide coverage and a large provider infrastructure.
SafetyCulture
Overview
SafetyCulture offers a lone worker module embedded within its wider inspection platform. It provides check-ins, panic buttons, a live map, fall detection, and automated escalations. There’s no BS 8484 ARC/URN pathway; instead, alerts route to designated contacts.
Advantages
- SafetyCulture’s lone worker app is easy to deploy for organisations that are already using its platform for audits and inspections.
- It also offers simple escalation flows that align well with operational processes, reducing complexity for teams that are already familiar with the SafetyCulture ecosystem.
Considerations
- Unlike some competitors, SafetyCulture does not provide a BS 8484/URN-certified pathway. Instead, alerts are routed internally or via partners, which may not be suitable for organisations with higher compliance requirements.
- The solution has a limited fit for high-risk profiles, where professional ARC escalation is essential for a fast, police-backed response.
Best for:
SafetyCulture is best suited for teams already embedded in the SafetyCulture ecosystem who want to add lone worker functionality without introducing a separate system.
OK Alone
Overview
Lightweight app solution with app, SMS, or phone check-ins, man-down detection, and optional 24/7 monitoring centre support. It is not BS 8484-focused; it is more global and self-serve.
Advantages
- OK Alone is designed for a fast, self-serve rollout, making it easy for organisations to get started quickly.
- The solution includes low-signal modes and optional monitoring support, which makes it adaptable to different environments and resource levels.
Considerations
- OK Alone does not offer dedicated lone worker devices, which may make it unsuitable for organisations looking for a hybrid app and device approach.
- Additionally, because the solution is not BS 8484/URN accredited, it is less appropriate for UK employers who need guaranteed police escalation through accredited ARCs.
Best for:
OK Alone is best for organisations that want a fast, self-serve rollout with flexible check-in options, but don’t require BS 8484 certification or dedicated devices.
SoloProtect
Overview
One of the longest-standing lone worker companies, SoloProtect pioneered the ID badge-style device. They operate their own ARC in Sheffield (EN 50518 accredited), with BS 8484 compliance. Devices now include screen-based options (mini phone style).
Advantages
- SoloProtect offers a catalogue of different devices, including its badge-style device, fobs, and screen-based options that resemble mini phones.
- The company also operates its own accredited ARC in Sheffield for a more direct control over monitoring and emergency escalation.
Considerations
- SoloProtect has historically been device-first, with its app offering playing a secondary role to the hardware. This may not be ideal for organisations looking for an app-led solution.
Best for:
SoloProtect is best for organisations that want proactive chaperoning, supported by discreet, dedicated devices and in-house ARC monitoring.
LONEALERT
Overview
They provide the OWL management portal, app, and devices. They hold BS 8484:2022 accreditation (SSAIB) and link to an ARC. Their device range includes specialist TWIG and ATEX-rated options.
Advantages
- LONEALERT provides a configurable OWL management portal. This flexibility allows organisations to tailor the setup to their specific risk profiles and operational needs.
- The solution also supports ARC integration, meaning alerts can be escalated to a professional monitoring centre when required.
Considerations
- The company’s website places strong emphasis on promoting the OWL portal, but provides less detail on the scope of ARC services and URN coverage. As a result, organisations may need to carry out due diligence to confirm the full extent of monitoring capabilities.
Best for:
LONEALERT is best for organisations that want a configurable portal and a broad choice of devices alongside the lone worker app, including specialist options for high-risk environments.
Summing Up
No matter what your search criteria are, the most important thing is making sure your lone workers are protected. A lone worker mobile app is one of the simplest, most low-friction ways to do that.
Getting started is easy — your team just downloads the app onto their work or personal phone, and it’s ready to provide instant emergency support whenever an incident happens.
As you’ve seen above, there are a number of lone worker apps on the market that can help improve safety management. But at Vatix, we go a step further. We offer an integrated EHS solution where you can manage not just lone worker protection, but all your health and safety needs in one place.
From incident reporting and audits to document and risk management, our end-to-end system makes it simpler than ever to stay on top of governance, risk, and compliance.
So, if you’re looking for more than just a BS 8484:2022-accredited lone worker app — if you want a complete platform to support your organisation’s EHS goals — get in touch with the Vatix team today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lone Worker Apps
What is a lone worker app?
A lone worker app is a safety tool that employees can use on their work or personal phone to quickly raise the alarm if they feel unsafe or experience an emergency. Many apps include features like panic buttons, man-down detection, and GPS tracking so help can be dispatched faster.
Why does BS 8484 accreditation matter?
In the UK, BS 8484:2022 is the gold standard for lone worker safety solutions. It sets strict requirements for both the app or device and the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that monitors it. Only BS 8484-certified providers can access Level 1 police response — the fastest escalation route in life-threatening emergencies.
Do I need a lone worker app or a device?
When deciding between a lone worker app and a dedicated safety device, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right solution depends on your team’s environment, technology setup, and what you’re ultimately looking to achieve. Some teams are more familiar with using their phones throughout the day, while others prefer having a standalone device that’s clearly separate from personal or job-specific tech. Many organisations use a mix of both.
What features should I look for in a lone worker app?
Key features to prioritise include man-down detection (to trigger alerts if someone is unresponsive), two-way audio (so the ARC can verify incidents), and coverage options for low-signal areas. These ensure your team stays protected even in remote or unpredictable environments.
How does monitoring work?
With most solutions, alerts from the app or device are routed to either an accredited ARC or a nominated manager. ARC monitoring provides professional 24/7 coverage and direct escalation to emergency services, while internal monitoring is more cost-effective but places responsibility on your own managers.
Can lone worker apps help with compliance?
Yes. A BS 8484-accredited solution not only improves employee safety but also helps organisations meet legal duty-of-care requirements and demonstrate compliance with health & safety regulations. Some providers, like Vatix, also integrate lone worker protection with wider EHS tools for incident reporting, audits, and risk management.
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