PTI (DATI) Phone: How It Works and a Guide to Choosing the Right Device

A lone worker safety phone, sometimes referred to as a PTI/DATI phone, is a device designed to detect potentially dangerous situations involving employees working alone and automatically raise an alert to designated contacts or emergency responders.

Using built-in sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and GPS, these devices can monitor movement, detect incidents and help identify the worker's location.

In the event of a fall, medical emergency, man-down incident, assault or prolonged inactivity, the device can trigger an alert automatically or allow the user to raise an alarm manually. This enables a supervisor, designated responder or alarm receiving centre (ARC) to be notified quickly so that appropriate assistance can be arranged.

Dedicated Lone Worker Devices (GSM DATI)

These are purpose-built devices designed specifically to protect employees working alone. Robust and self-contained, they feature integrated alarm functions, such as fall detection, inactivity monitoring and emergency alerts. They are particularly suited to industrial environments and other higher-risk workplaces.

Smartphone-Based Lone Worker Solutions (PTI Smartphones)

These solutions use a dedicated lone worker safety application installed on an Android smartphone or iPhone. Applications may be pre-installed by the manufacturer or downloaded separately, with functionality and reliability varying depending on the device, application and configuration.

Under UK health and safety legislation, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, including those working alone. This involves assessing workplace risks and implementing appropriate measures to manage them.

Lone worker safety devices and smartphone applications can form part of these measures, helping employees raise an alert and obtain assistance quickly in the event of an emergency.

Some manufacturers offer smartphones with lone worker safety applications integrated directly into the device's operating system or firmware. These applications are designed to remain active and cannot easily be uninstalled, disabled or bypassed by the user.

For employers, this provides an additional level of reassurance, helping ensure that protective measures remain in place without relying on employees to activate an application manually.

This type of solution is particularly suited to higher-risk working environments, including manufacturing, construction, engineering, maintenance, security and lone working outside normal business hours.

Key benefits:

• Continuous lone worker protection
• Reduced risk of accidental or deliberate deactivation
• Lower risk of human error
• Centralised device management
• A clear record of the protective measures provided by the employer

These devices are increasingly used in sectors where reliable lone worker protection is particularly important, including industry, energy, security and technical maintenance.

Another important advantage is ease of use. Employees benefit from a familiar smartphone interface while the integrated lone worker safety functions operate in the background, helping encourage consistent use without disrupting day-to-day activities.

Some organisations choose to install lone worker safety applications through the App Store or Google Play on employees' personal smartphones. This approach offers several advantages, including quick deployment, lower initial costs and no need to purchase additional devices.

However, there are limitations that employers should consider. Applications may be uninstalled or disabled, lose essential permissions, be affected by operating system updates or have their background activity restricted by battery-saving settings.

If an application fails to operate correctly during an incident, an employee may be unable to raise an alert or obtain assistance when needed. This could expose the worker to additional risks and leave the employer unable to demonstrate that appropriate protective measures were in place.

For this reason, organisations should carefully assess the reliability, functionality and management of smartphone-based lone worker solutions, particularly in higher-risk environments. Where greater control and reliability are required, dedicated devices or professionally managed smartphone solutions may provide a more appropriate level of protection.

The employee presses a dedicated SOS button to raise an alert manually.

Example: A security officer facing a threat or assault can activate a discreet alarm without drawing attention to the device.

Man-Down and Inactivity Detection

The device detects a prolonged period of inactivity and automatically raises an alert if no movement is detected within a predefined period.

This function is particularly useful for employees working on night patrols, at isolated workstations or carrying out maintenance tasks alone.

Example: A maintenance technician becomes unconscious following a medical emergency. When the device detects no movement for a specified period, it automatically triggers an alert.

Loss of Verticality Detection

The device detects an abnormal body position, such as remaining horizontal for an extended period, which may indicate a fall, collapse or medical emergency.

This function is commonly used in industrial environments, construction and technical maintenance.

Example: An electrician collapses while working alone in a plant room. The device detects the abnormal position and raises an alert if the worker does not respond within the configured time.

Impact and Fall Detection

Some lone worker safety phones feature sensors capable of detecting sudden movements or significant impacts that may indicate a serious fall or accident.

This can be particularly valuable for employees working at height, on construction sites or in other hazardous environments.

Example: A worker falls from a ladder while carrying out maintenance. The device detects the impact and automatically raises an alert, potentially including the worker's location where GPS is available.

Loss of Network Connectivity

Some lone worker systems can identify prolonged periods of lost network connectivity and generate an alert or notification, depending on the device and monitoring configuration.

This is particularly relevant for employees working in remote locations, basements or areas with unreliable mobile coverage.

Example: An operative working alone in a basement loses network connectivity for an extended period. The monitoring system identifies the loss of communication and notifies a designated supervisor, allowing appropriate checks to be carried out.

Scheduled Safety Check-Ins

Some lone worker solutions require employees to confirm their safety at regular intervals through a scheduled check-in.

If the employee fails to respond within the allocated time, the system can automatically raise an alert.

Example: A delivery driver working overnight is required to confirm their safety every 30 minutes. If they fail to respond to scheduled check-ins, an alert is sent to a designated contact or alarm receiving centre (ARC) for further investigation.

Once triggered, a lone worker alert follows a structured process to ensure the situation is assessed and the appropriate response is coordinated.

1. Who receives the alert?

Alerts can be sent to designated internal contacts, such as a manager, security officer or colleague on duty, or directly to a 24/7 alarm receiving centre (ARC).

2. How is the alert transmitted?

Depending on the device and its configuration, alerts can be transmitted via mobile data or Wi-Fi. The device may automatically call predefined contacts, send SMS notifications or transmit the alert directly to an alarm receiving centre, where trained operators manage the response.

3. What information is transmitted?

Alerts typically include the worker's identity, the type of alarm triggered, the date and time of the incident and their location, where GPS or other location services are available.

4. How is the alert managed?

An operator or designated contact attempts to establish communication with the worker, assesses the situation and coordinates the appropriate response. Where necessary, this may include contacting the emergency services.

In the event of a serious accident or medical emergency, a rapid and coordinated response can be critical to ensuring that assistance reaches the lone worker as quickly as possible.

When choosing a lone worker safety phone, employers should consider the following features to ensure the device is reliable, practical and suited to the risks of the working environment.

• Reliable incident detection: Accurate sensors capable of detecting falls, prolonged inactivity and abnormal body positions, including man-down incidents.
• Accurate location tracking: GPS and assisted GPS (A-GPS) to help locate employees quickly, with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-based positioning where supported for indoor environments. For organisations requiring ongoing location monitoring, continuous lone worker location tracking can complement lone worker safety devices and help responders locate employees more quickly in an emergency.
• Reliable connectivity: Support for 4G and multiple mobile networks, where available, to maximise coverage and minimise the risk of communication failures.
• Two-way communication: A clear microphone and speaker to enable direct communication with designated contacts or an alarm receiving centre (ARC) during an emergency.
• Long battery life: Sufficient battery capacity to last throughout a working shift, with low-battery warnings to help prevent unexpected loss of protection.
• Durability: A suitable IP rating for resistance to dust and water, alongside impact protection appropriate to the working environment.
• Ease of use: A simple, intuitive design with easily accessible emergency buttons, including when wearing gloves.
• Monitoring integration: The ability to connect to a central monitoring platform or 24/7 alarm receiving centre for effective alert management and emergency response.
• Discreet alarm activation: Silent or discreet alerts that allow employees to request assistance without drawing attention to themselves, particularly in situations involving threats or aggression.
• Device testing: Built-in testing and status monitoring functions to help ensure the device and its alarm features are operating correctly.
• Relevant safety certification: Appropriate certification for the working environment, including ATEX certification where devices are used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The most suitable lone worker safety phone will depend on the employee's role, working conditions and the risks identified through the employer's lone working risk assessment.

UK law does not specifically require employers to provide lone workers with a dedicated safety phone or alarm device.

However, employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, including those working alone.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess workplace risks and implement appropriate measures to manage them.

These responsibilities apply across all industries, not just those traditionally considered high risk. Employees travelling alone for work, engineers attending call-outs and social workers carrying out home visits may all face risks associated with lone working.

Where a risk assessment identifies specific hazards, employers must introduce suitable safety measures. These may include safe working procedures, regular communication, employee training and lone worker safety devices or alarm systems.

Lone Worker Risk Assessments

A lone worker risk assessment is the starting point for identifying and managing the risks associated with working alone.

Employers should identify situations where employees work without direct supervision and assess the potential hazards, including falls, medical emergencies, violence or aggression, and accidents involving machinery or hazardous equipment.

The findings should determine which protective measures are necessary and whether a lone worker safety phone or monitored alarm system would provide an appropriate level of protection.

Employee Information, Training and Equipment Maintenance

Providing a lone worker safety device is only one part of an effective approach to employee protection.

Employers should also:

• Inform employees about the risks associated with lone working and the safety procedures in place.
• Provide appropriate training on how to use lone worker devices, raise an alert and follow emergency procedures.
• Maintain and test equipment regularly to ensure devices remain operational, including checking batteries, software updates and connectivity.
• Review safety arrangements periodically, particularly when working conditions, responsibilities or risks change.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adequately assess and manage lone working risks can have serious consequences for employers.

Where appropriate safety measures have not been implemented, employers may face enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), civil claims and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

Carrying out thorough risk assessments, implementing suitable protective measures and ensuring employees understand emergency procedures are essential steps in meeting legal responsibilities and protecting lone workers.

Lone worker safety phones can provide valuable protection across a wide range of industries, particularly where employees work without direct supervision or may be unable to obtain assistance quickly in an emergency.

Construction: Employees working at height, on isolated construction sites or around heavy machinery and vehicles may face an increased risk of serious accidents and falls.

Manufacturing and Industry: Lone working during night shifts, maintenance in isolated areas and noisy environments can make it difficult for employees to raise an alarm or attract attention when an incident occurs.

Engineering and Maintenance: Field engineers, maintenance technicians and utility workers frequently work alone, sometimes around live electrical systems, pressurised equipment or other potentially hazardous machinery.

Healthcare and Social Care: Community nurses, home carers and social workers carrying out visits alone may face risks including medical emergencies, violence or aggression.

Logistics and Transport: Delivery drivers, warehouse operatives and employees working overnight may spend extended periods without direct contact with colleagues or supervisors.

Security and Guarding: Security officers carrying out night patrols or monitoring large premises often work alone. Discreet SOS alerts and automatic incident detection can be particularly valuable where there is a risk of confrontation or assault.

Retail and Hospitality: Employees opening or closing premises alone, lone retail workers and overnight hotel reception staff may face situations where immediate assistance is not readily available.

In all these environments, lone worker safety devices should complement existing health and safety procedures rather than replace them. By enabling employees to raise an alert manually or automatically, these solutions can help ensure that incidents are identified quickly and an appropriate emergency response is initiated.

Choosing the right lone worker safety phone involves more than comparing devices and features. Employers need to consider the risks employees face, their working environment and how alerts will be managed in an emergency.

1. Assess Your Lone Working Risks

Before selecting a device, it is important to understand how and where employees work alone. A lone worker risk assessment should help answer several key questions:

• Is lone working occasional, regular or a permanent part of the role?
• Do employees work indoors, outdoors or across multiple locations?
• Are there areas with limited or no mobile network coverage?
• What are the main risks, such as falls, violence or aggression, medical emergencies or accidents involving machinery?
• Does the working environment require ATEX-certified equipment?
• Is mobile network coverage reliable throughout the working area?
• Is 24/7 professional alarm monitoring required, or can designated internal contacts provide an appropriate response?

The most suitable device will depend on the nature and level of risk identified through this assessment.

2. Choose the Right Type of Lone Worker Device

There are three main types of lone worker safety solutions, each suited to different working environments and operational requirements.

Dedicated Lone Worker Safety Devices

Purpose-built lone worker devices are particularly suited to higher-risk environments, including manufacturing, construction, engineering and industrial maintenance.

Their robust design, dedicated emergency functions and battery performance make them a practical choice for demanding conditions involving dust, moisture or potential impacts. Where employees work in potentially explosive atmospheres, appropriately ATEX-certified devices may be required.

Smartphones with Integrated Lone Worker Safety Applications

Smartphones with built-in lone worker protection offer a combination of everyday communication features and dedicated safety functionality.

These devices can be particularly suitable for mobile engineers, maintenance teams, on-call employees and other workers who need reliable lone worker protection alongside the functionality of a conventional smartphone.

Where safety applications are integrated into the device's operating system or firmware, additional controls may help prevent accidental deactivation and support consistent operation.

Lone Worker Applications on Personal Smartphones

Downloadable lone worker safety applications can offer a cost-effective solution where the risks and working conditions make them appropriate.

However, employers should consider factors such as device compatibility, battery life, operating system updates, application permissions and the potential for users to disable safety functions.

Clear procedures for testing, training and device management are particularly important when employees use their own smartphones.

The priority should always be selecting a solution that provides an appropriate level of protection for the risks identified, rather than choosing on price alone.

3. Test Devices in Real Working Conditions

A lone worker safety phone should be tested in the environments where employees will actually use it.

Testing should cover:

• Network coverage: Can the device maintain a reliable connection throughout the working area?
• Location tracking: Can the worker's location be identified accurately, including indoors where supported?
• Battery life: Will the device remain operational throughout a full working shift?
• Alarm functionality: Are manual and automatic alerts triggered and transmitted correctly?
• Ease of use: Can employees operate the device comfortably while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Testing in real working conditions can help identify potential limitations before a solution is introduced across the organisation.

4. Choose the Right Alarm Monitoring Service

The effectiveness of a lone worker safety system depends not only on the device but also on what happens when an alert is raised.

A 24/7 alarm receiving centre (ARC) can provide professional monitoring and a coordinated response, particularly for employees working alone regularly, outside normal business hours or in higher-risk environments.

Alternatively, alerts may be directed to designated internal contacts where suitable arrangements are in place.

For internal monitoring to be effective, employers must ensure that nominated contacts are available, understand the emergency procedures and can arrange assistance promptly.

The appropriate approach should be determined by the lone working risk assessment and the organisation's ability to respond effectively.

5. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price is only one factor when comparing lone worker safety solutions.

Employers should also consider ongoing costs, including:

• SIM cards and mobile connectivity
• Alarm monitoring subscriptions
• Equipment maintenance and testing
• Technical support
• Employee training
• Device replacement and upgrades

These costs will vary depending on the type of device, number of employees and level of monitoring required.

Requesting a tailored quotation based on your organisation's requirements can provide a more accurate picture of the overall investment.

A lower-cost device may not always offer the best long-term value, particularly if it lacks reliable technical support, maintenance arrangements or the functionality needed for the working environment.

6. Choose an Experienced Lone Worker Protection Provider

Selecting the right supplier is just as important as choosing the equipment itself.

An experienced lone worker protection provider should be able to recommend suitable devices, explain the available monitoring options and support the implementation of an effective system.

When comparing suppliers, consider:

• How much experience do they have in lone worker protection?
• Have they worked with organisations in your industry?
• What technical support and maintenance services are available?
• Can they help identify suitable solutions based on your workplace risks?
• Do they provide employee training and ongoing support?

Ideally, your provider should offer support with device selection, system configuration, employee training, maintenance and ongoing technical assistance.

A site assessment can also help identify practical challenges, such as poor network coverage or working conditions that may affect device performance.

Protect Your Lone Workers with Scutum

Scutum supports organisations in selecting and implementing lone worker protection solutions suited to their operational requirements and working environments.

From dedicated lone worker devices to smartphone-based safety solutions and professional alarm monitoring, our team can help you identify the most appropriate approach for your employees.

Contact our team to discuss your lone worker protection requirements and request a tailored quotation.

Yes, a standard Android smartphone or iPhone can be used for lone worker protection by installing a dedicated safety application.

Advantages:

• Lower initial cost: No additional device is required if employees already have a suitable smartphone.
• Ease of use: Employees are familiar with their existing devices, making the solution easier to introduce.
• Quick deployment: Applications can be installed and configured across a team without purchasing dedicated equipment.

Limitations compared with dedicated lone worker devices:

• Durability: Standard consumer smartphones may not offer the same resistance to impacts, dust, water or demanding working conditions as purpose-built devices.
• Battery life: Personal and work-related activities can drain the battery, potentially reducing the time available for emergency alerts.
• Application reliability: Downloadable applications may be disabled, uninstalled or affected by changes to permissions, battery-saving settings or operating system updates. Dedicated devices and professionally managed smartphones with integrated safety applications can offer greater control over these functions.

Smartphone-based lone worker applications can provide an effective solution where the working environment and level of risk make them appropriate. However, employers should ensure that the application is reliable, regularly tested and supported by clear emergency response procedures.

For higher-risk environments, a dedicated lone worker device or professionally managed smartphone may offer a more suitable level of protection.

No, UK law does not specifically require employers to provide a lone worker safety phone or dedicated alarm device.

However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a legal duty to protect their employees and assess and manage workplace risks, including those associated with lone working.

Where a risk assessment identifies the need for additional protection, employers must implement appropriate safety measures. These may include lone worker alarm systems, regular check-ins, communication procedures or arrangements for employees to work in pairs.

A lone worker safety phone can provide an effective way to raise an alert manually or automatically in the event of an accident, medical emergency or threatening situation. Many devices also offer location tracking to help responders locate employees quickly.

While not a specific legal requirement, lone worker safety devices are particularly valuable in higher-risk environments, where employees may be unable to call for help themselves or obtain immediate assistance from colleagues.

The cost of a lone worker safety phone varies depending on the type of device, its features, durability, any required ATEX certification and the level of alarm monitoring provided.

Additional costs may include mobile connectivity, maintenance and a 24/7 alarm monitoring service.

As requirements differ between organisations, there is no single average price that accurately reflects the cost of lone worker protection.

The best approach is to request a tailored quotation based on your working environment, the risks employees face and the level of protection required.

Yes, employees working remotely, including those working from home, may be considered lone workers if they work without close or direct supervision.

However, the risks associated with home working can differ considerably from those faced by employees working alone in industrial, construction or other higher-risk environments.

Employers should consider remote and home workers as part of their workplace risk assessments and introduce appropriate measures where necessary.

Depending on the nature of the work and the risks identified, these may include:

• Regular check-ins: Scheduled contact with a manager or colleague to confirm the employee's wellbeing.
• Communication procedures: Clear arrangements for reporting concerns, requesting assistance or responding to emergencies.
• Lone worker safety applications: Smartphone-based solutions that allow employees to raise an alert if they need assistance.

Not every remote worker will require a dedicated lone worker safety device. The most appropriate protective measures should be determined by the employee's working conditions and the findings of the risk assessment.

Yes, but only if the device has the appropriate ATEX certification for the potentially explosive atmosphere in which it will be used.

Standard smartphones and lone worker safety devices may not be suitable for ATEX-classified areas, as they could present an ignition risk.

Specialist ATEX-certified lone worker safety phones and alarm devices are available for use in hazardous environments. Employers must ensure that the device's certification is appropriate for the specific ATEX zone and working conditions.

For more information, read our dedicated guide to ATEX smartphones and lone worker safety devices for potentially explosive environments.