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HSE, RIDDOR and converting to an app

Blog
6 min read

HSE, RIDDOR and converting to an app

Written by Helen Down, StaySafe

Are lone worker apps compliant with HSE guidelines? 

If the buck stops with you, compliance is key. 

When it comes to keeping lone workers safe, you need to know that the safety solutions you implement are not only going to protect your staff, they are going to help you to keep on the right side of the law.

Here we discuss the latest HSE guidance and RIDDOR reporting requirements, and how switching to a lone worker app can tick the boxes when it comes to meeting your duty of care to lone workers.

What must be reported under RIDDOR?

Let’s face it – no employer wants to make a report under RIDDOR.

Reporting under RIDDOR means that incidents become open to investigation and prosecution by the HSE and other relevant bodies.

The reporting of workplace injuries or deaths via RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) is a legal requirement which requires that employers report certain serious workplace incidents and near-misses. 

Unfortunately, the prevalence of incidents involving a lone worker is high. In fact, 68% of organisations report having had an incident involving a lone worker in the past three years

Under RIDDOR, certain accidents, occupational diseases and near misses need to be reported. This includes workplace deaths, injuries such as fractures, broken bones or burns, or any incidents that leave an employee incapciated for 7 days or more. It also includes the reporting of any acts of violence at work. When it comes to working alone, our research shows that accidents, ill health, aggression and violence make up 41% of health and safety incidents involving lone workers.

The consequences of not reporting properly under RIDDOR can result in a custodial prison sentence and unlimited fines.

When should RIDDOR be reported?

Any incident that falls under RIDDOR should be reported so that it can be added to the RIDDOR database.

It is also important that you keep records of any incidents as this can help you to complete your risk assessments. In turn, this process can help you to develop solutions to potential risks, such as implementing new safety equipment or additional training.

What are HSE guidelines for employers?

The best way to avoid incidents is to put preventative measures in place. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines the duties you need to follow to keep your lone workers safe. Failure to adhere to health and safety legislation can have serious implications, especially for those in positions of responsibility.

What is HSE law?

When it comes to HSE guidelines, the message for Health and Safety Directors is clear – comply with Health and Safety legislation or risk a prison sentence

Breaches of health and safety legislation can result in large fines and even imprisonment – not to mention damage to your reputation, profitability and staff morale.

Health and Safety made simple

So what should you do to ensure you meet the HSE guidelines?

“Remember to train, monitor and supervise lone workers. Keep in touch and respond to any incidents” says the HSE. 

You can do this by following these basic steps for keeping lone workers safe;

  • Identify your lone workers – different industries have different lone worker risk profiles, from delivery drivers, to health workers, security and cleaning staff, retail workers and people working at home

  • Manage the risks to lone workers – before they are allowed to work alone. This is usually via done via written risk assessments  

  • Train lone workers to identify hazards and control any risks they may face so they can respond to unpredictable situations 

  • Monitor your lone workers and keep in touch with them – many organisations use a dedicated lone worker solution to do this. If contact is poor, the HSE warns that “lone workers may feel disconnected, isolated or abandoned”

  • Make sure your staff understand any monitoring systems or procedures you use – including safety equipment and panic buttons

  • Provide appropriate training specific to their role, as well as personal safety or violence prevention training if needed 

  • Encourage employees to report any issues or incidents so you can respond quickly


The majority of the steps above can be achieved, or supported by, a lone worker app. Solutions like StaySafe incorporate a large proportion of the HSE recommendations into a single, easy to use app on employees’ smartphones.

What is a complete lone worker safety solution?

The best way to meet your duty of care to lone working staff is via a complete lone worker safety solution.

A complete lone worker solution is an end-to-end service that helps employers to provide high levels of protection for lone working staff.

Lone worker solutions like StaySafe provide a ‘one stop shop’ that allows businesses to meet several of the safety requirements recommended by the HSE via one service provider.

Lone worker apps are fast becoming one of the most popular ways to provide lone workers with additional protection. In fact, the number of lone workers using connected safety solutions is expected to reach 1.8 million by 2025

HSE guidance, including keeping in touch with lone workers, monitoring their location and giving them a means to signal for help can all be achieved via apps. 

StaySafe is one of the most commonly used lone worker solutions, consisting of an easy to use app and cloud based monitoring hub to keep staff protected. See some of the businesses that are already using StaySafe to meet their duty of care.

Are safety solutions expensive?

Using a lone worker app can be a lower cost alternative to dedicated devices and panic alarms because you do not have to purchase any additional equipment. Staff can simply download the app onto their existing smartphone.

However, ‘value’ is more than just cost savings. Investing in a lone worker solution not only keeps staff safer, it can help to boost the safety culture within your organisation. In turn, this has a positive impact on productivity and your employer reputation. 

When it comes to additional value, there are two key areas where StaySafe excels: our on-boarding and our reporting. 

Research shows that 70 percent of digital transformation programs don’t reach their stated goals. At StaySafe, we have revolutionised how we approach our on-boarding and customer support processes to ensure that your rollout is a success.

At StaySafe we have a dedicated Customer Experience team who work with our customers and their employees during the on-boarding process and beyond, providing set-up and on-going support to ensure that staff are using the app. We also have invested in interactive in-app training to help make the roll-out of our solution as smooth as possible. 

StaySafe customers also have access to an Insights Dashboard to monitor usage, as well as scheduled reports and regular calls with their Account Manager to help identify any areas of improvement.

Is StaySafe the right safety solution for my organisation?

StaySafe is trusted by FTSE 100 companies, not for profits and SMEs to help protect their workforce. 

Why choose StaySafe to protect your lone workers?

  • StaySafe helps you to comply with HSE guidelines for lone workers 
  • BS8484 compliant & Cyber Essentials+ certified
  • Suitable for SMEs through to enterprise
  • No additional equipment required 
  • Easy onboarding, including unique ‘in-app’ training
  • Monitor in-house or through an external service
  • User controls to protect personal privacy
  • Range of alerts as standard  including timed sessions, check-ins,  panic, duress and discreet alarms
  • Real-time location monitoring with configurable map overlays
  • Simple organisational structure and Health & Safety process configuration
  • Full reporting – onboarding/usage statistics and incident audit trails

Not ready to book a demo just yet? 

With so many options available in the market, it is essential that you choose a lone worker solution that is right for your business. 

To help you decide which is the right one for you, we have created a comprehensive buyers guide. The guide will help you to evaluate the specific lone worker requirements of your organisation and the options that are available.

Are you protecting your lone workers?

Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about lone working.
From identifying the lone workers in your organization, to the risks they face in different environments, our lone worker guide will ensure you know how to keep your staff protected and meet your legal duty of care.
Yes, review policy

Explore our range of lone worker solutions

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See StaySafe in action
  • 2 week free trial
  • See how employees can use the app to check-in & send alerts
  • See realtime updates in the monitoring hub

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Helen Down

“Helen has worked within the lone worker industry for nearly a decade. During that time she has written extensively about health and safety, risk, legislation, and lone working – including the Lone Worker Landscape Report.

Helen’s background is in marketing for start-ups and SMEs, where she has enjoyed working as part of the leadership team to grow the business. Outside of work, Helen is a mum of two and loves to drink wine in peace.”

Looking for more information on protecting your lone workers?

We have a range of expert resources and topical blogs to help keep your lone working staff safe.

Guide to Lone Working

A comprehensive lone worker guide for employers, managers and the self employed.

Lone Worker Risk Assessment
An extensive guide to risk assessments for employers or managers of lone workers.
Three Questions to Ask When Purchasing a Lone Working Solution
An informative guide outlining everything you need to know when considering purchasing a lone working solution.

Find out more about StaySafe solutions

Lone Worker App

Our intuitive app allows employees to check in safely following a lone working session and raise an alert in an emergency.

Cloud Based Monitoring Hub
Our hub uses GPS to accurately locate your lone workers and provides you with real-time updates on their movements.
Wearable Technology
Pairing the app with V.BTTN is a great solution for anyone working at height, with gloves or machinery, where pushing a button may be a more convenient way of using the StaySafe app.
Satellite Tracking Devices
Our satellite tracking devices are designed for those regularly travelling to remote areas where you can’t even get a mobile signal.
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