How do consumers know if a product or service is verified, reliable, and safe? The answer is accredited safety standards.
When it comes to lone working, the gold safety standard in the UK is the BS 8484 Lone Worker Standard. This article aims to help you understand more about the minimum safety standards the BS 8484 assures for your lone workers.
Introduction to the BS 8484 Lone Worker Standard
The BS 8484 Lone Worker Standard was established in 2009 by the British Standards Institute (BSI), the UK’s national standard body in charge of developing British, European and international standards.
The first release, BS 8484:2009, was largely initiated when the general demand for lone worker protection increased in the mid-2000s.
The standard lists stringent requirements of lone working devices and Alarm Response Centres so that lone workers can get the help they need during an emergency.
Furthermore, BS 8484:2009 ensures that lone workers get the highest level of police response, which is Level 1.
Level 1 police response is not normally available through the 999 or 101 systems. It is exclusively for those who need it in an emergency but cannot call 999 or 101 themselves.
Before the police dispatch the resources to respond to a Level 1 emergency, they need credible verification that the request is genuine. Thus, BS 8484:2009 was introduced to reduce the number of Level 1 false alarms police were getting.
Revisions to BS 8484 Lone Worker Standard
In 2011, the standard was revised with minor revisions and was updated to BS 8484: 2011.
Then, to keep up with the pace of the rapid digitisation and new technology introduced in the lone working industry, the BSI put together a committee of industry experts to review the standard and propose updates.
The resulting third version, BS 8484:2016, was a major revision released on 11 August 2016. The key sections updated include:
- Improved self-certification process for lone working devices
- New standards for mobile phone lone working safety apps
- Revised standards on customer considerations
- Revised standards on training for management and frontline lone workers
- New training and customer support standards so end-users know how to use the product or service during an emergency properly
The latest version, BS 8484:2022, reflects significant advancements in technology and the evolving landscape of remote and independent work. Key updates were made to address new needs in lone worker safety, particularly regarding data-based communication, the role of lone worker applications, and standards for Alarm Receiving Centres.
Key Updates in BS 8484:2022
Expanded Definitions of Lone Workers
BS 8484:2022 recognises that lone workers may not only be those working in isolated areas but also individuals working in pairs, small teams, or remotely, including from home. This broader definition acknowledges the varying levels of risk that different work environments may pose and the need for adaptable lone worker solutions.
Inclusion of Data-Based Communication
Acknowledging advancements in technology, BS 8484:2022 allows for lone worker communications via data calls, in addition to traditional voice networks. This change ensures that lone worker solutions can adapt to modern communication methods while maintaining the safety and reliability of emergency alerts.
Enhanced Screening for Service Providers
To ensure high standards in personnel handling lone worker services, BS 8484:2022 mandates that all staff involved in service delivery undergo screening in line with BS 7858, the UK standard for vetting individuals in security-sensitive roles.
Revised Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) Guidelines
BS 8484:2022 aligns ARC requirements more closely with standards BS 5979 and BS 9518, removing redundant guidelines and ensuring that all ARCs follow updated best practices for managing lone worker alarms effectively.
Emphasis on Employee Wellbeing
The 2022 revision also highlights the importance of fostering a safety culture that prioritises employee wellbeing alongside security. It underscores that robust safety measures are a strategic asset in creating safer workplaces.
Objectives of BS 8484:2022
BS 8484:2022 upholds its role as the gold standard for lone working safety products and services. The accredited standard ensures that lone working solutions are not only reliable and secure but also adaptable to a wide range of work environments and responsive to real-world emergency scenarios. For employers, BS 8484:2022 provides reassurance that lone workers will receive timely, appropriate assistance in emergencies.
Key Elements of BS 8484:2022
Business Requirements
Providers must:
- Maintain a clear management structure
- Demonstrate accountability at all organisational levels
- Ensure financial stability and adequate insurance
- Adhere to transparent privacy and data policies
Lone Working Devices and Apps
Devices and apps must:
- Accurately locate the lone worker
- Include discreet, easy-to-activate alarms
- Enable two-way communication with response teams
- Communicate battery and signal status to ARCs
Training and Support
Providers are responsible for:
- Offering effective training on device usage and emergency procedures
- Ensuring frontline staff and management understand safety protocols
- Providing accessible support and management tools for end-users
Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs)
ARCs must:
- Respond to alerts within 10 seconds, 80% of the time
- Adhere to comprehensive escalation processes
- Train operators on relevant police and lone worker system policies
SOS Alarms
Providers and ARCs are required to:
- Ensure compliance with policies for response teams, whether internal or partnered
- Meet BS 7984-2 standards for lone worker response services
Who Needs to Comply with the BS 8484 Lone Worker Standard?
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) will only respond to Level 1 alarms for lone workers if the distress call comes from an ARC audited for and accredited with BS 8484:2022. ARCs, on the other hand, seek compliance of BS 8484:2022 from the companies they provide service to.
This makes compliance vital for any company that wants to offer their clients lone working safety products and services that can be partnered with an accredited ARC.
Security providers who want to provide lone working response services must also comply with the BS 8484 Lone Worker Standard.
What are the Benefits of Working with BS 8484 Accredited Providers?
It is an employer’s responsibility to manage the safety risks of anyone that is legally defined as a lone worker, whether they’re working from home, a volunteer, or any other form of lone working.
For the employer, working with BS 8484 accredited providers ensures they meet their responsibility with the highest standards available on the market. Patrick Dealtry, Chairman of the BSI committee responsible for developing BS 8484, said:
“Lone worker services, combining lone working devices and ARCs, enable lone workers to transmit their location and be confident someone is working on their behalf to request assistance when they are in trouble.
BS 8484 makes recommendations for this increasingly used service, which will establish best practice in helping employers to look after vulnerable staff.”
Best Practices to Protect Your Lone Workers
For more information on how your company can meet the best lone working safety standards, download our Ultimate Guide to Lone Working Safety for a complete checklist of best practices and resources.
