What are the top lone worker safety devices with fall detection?
Falls are a leading hazard in construction and industrial work. For a lone worker, automatic fall detection is a critical safeguard when an injury leaves them unable to call for help. Fall detection uses motion sensors and accelerometers to identify sudden drops or a lack of movement afterwards.
How fall detection works
Devices and apps typically watch for:
- Rapid vertical acceleration
- Impact force
- A lack of movement after impact
When a fall is suspected, the system raises an alert automatically.
Use cases in construction
- Roofing
- Scaffolding
- Elevated inspections
- Tower and infrastructure work
Use cases in water treatment
- Pump stations
- Ladder access points
- Slippery treatment areas
- Maintenance platforms
Limitations to plan for
- False positives can occur.
- Where the device is carried affects accuracy.
- Connectivity affects how the alert is sent.
Combine the technology with procedural safeguards and training.
How OnGuard does this
OnGuard runs automatic fall and crash detection on the worker's own phone. When the phone detects a fall, the worker gets a short window to cancel a false alarm. If they do not respond, the alert escalates with live location.
- No separate device to buy, charge or lose.
- The cancel window keeps false alarms down without slowing a real response.
- Idle detection adds a second safeguard when a worker stops moving after a fall the phone did not register.
See the features
Frequently asked questions
Is phone-based fall detection reliable enough?
For most ladder, platform and slip risks, yes, especially with idle detection as a backup. Gas exposure or intrinsically safe zones may still call for a certified device.
What if the phone is in a bag or vehicle?
Detection works best when the phone is carried on the body. Train workers on where to carry it.
Can I turn fall detection on only for some roles?
Yes. Assign it by role or group.
Pilot OnGuard with your team
Run OnGuard free for 30 days with 15 or more of your workers on real shifts, including our Call Centre where available.
Fewer than 15 lone workers? Talk to our team. Questions? Call 1-855-289-5892.