Many businesses operate with reduced staffing at weekends, and in some cases, that means having just one person on-site. While this might be operationally necessary, it introduces significant safety risks, especially in hazardous environments such as those with ATEX zone requirements.
We often speak with companies facing this exact scenario: lone workers operating heavy machinery, handling chemicals, or working in isolation where immediate help isn't available. This blog outlines the challenges associated with weekend lone working and how a tailored lone worker solution can help protect staff—ensuring rapid, informed response in the event of an emergency.
The Lone Worker Challenge: Real Risks for Real People
Lone workers often perform essential tasks without direct supervision or support. While companies usually have more staff on site during the week, weekends can be more difficult to manage.
Key concerns typically include:
- No one else on-site: If a worker is injured or incapacitated, there may be no one nearby to notice or respond quickly.
- ATEX zones: Some areas may be classified as hazardous (Zone 1 or 2), which restricts the types of devices that can be safely used.
- Remote response teams: The designated response team members may not be local, meaning delays in reaching the site.
- Emergency services limitations: Emergency services can't be automatically contacted by a lone worker device, and emergency responders would be unable to gain access to the site or locate the lone worker.
These risks aren’t theoretical. They represent real vulnerabilities that can have serious consequences if not addressed proactively.
Why Emergency Services Can’t Be Automatically Called
A common misconception is that lone worker devices can automatically alert 999. In reality, emergency services can only be contacted once a qualified responder has verified the situation.
False alarms (e.g. from a worker putting down a device and walking off) could otherwise overwhelm emergency responders. Additionally, 999 responders won’t have keys or site access codes and wouldn't know how to navigate the building, making timely support difficult.
Instead, businesses need a clear internal response plan with trusted individuals who can receive alerts, verify the emergency, and take appropriate action.
The Solution: Lone Worker Protection Tailored to High-Risk Environments
To help protect lone workers effectively, especially those working in ATEX zones or during unsupervised hours, our solution combines specialist devices or apps with rapid-response communication.
ATEX-Compliant Devices
For workers in explosive atmospheres, we supply ATEX-certified devices, for example the Atlas EX760 and Atlas Protector + EX, that:
- Include dedicated SOS buttons for manual alerts.
- Detect ‘person down’ events (e.g. falls or unconsciousness) and trigger an alert automatically.
- Are safe to use in ATEX Zone 1/21 and Zone 1/21 environments.
Dedicated device or app
Where ATEX restrictions don’t apply, we often supply the Atlas RG360 or Atlas SOS app. These offer:
- Integrated SOS and tilt-detection functionality.
- GPS location tracking and phone capabilities.
- Flexible communication with managers and teams.
Instant, Targeted Alerts
When an alarm is raised, whether manually or automatically, our system sends notifications to a pre-defined response team via:
- SMS alerts with worker telephone number, timestamp, and location data.
- The Critical Messenger app, which emits a loud, persistent alarm that overrides ‘Do Not Disturb’ settings on Android devices.
Once a responder accepts the alarm, other team members are notified in real-time, preventing confusion and ensuring someone is actively handling the incident.
Flexible Response Strategies
Alerts can be routed to multiple people, including:
- On-call staff
- Local colleagues or managers
- Trusted neighbours or family members
This makes the system adaptable even in scenarios where core staff are hours away or unavailable.
The Outcome: Practical, Compliant, and Trusted
Whether your teams are operating machinery, working in warehouses, or simply performing critical maintenance tasks, our solution ensures that lone workers are never truly alone.
With the right devices, smart alerting, and a clear response plan, you can meet your duty of care obligations, reduce risk, and create peace of mind—for staff, managers, and health & safety teams alike.
Facing Similar Lone Working Challenges? Let’s Talk
If you’re looking to improve lone worker safety, especially during weekends or in hazardous zones, our team can help you design a solution that fits your environment, your workforce, and your processes.
Contact us today to explore options or see the technology in action.
