SoloProtect Report Reveals 132% Increase in Attacks on Lone Workers

Lone Worker Safety Under Threat: Alarming Rise in Attacks and Weapon Incidents

SoloProtect, a global leader in lone worker protection solutions, has published its 2024 Impact Report. The report sheds light on a troubling rise in physical attacks and weapon-related incidents reported by workers over the past three years. The findings highlight the growing importance of lone worker safety and align with broader trends in workplace violence across the UK, particularly in high-risk industries like retail, healthcare, local government, and transport.

Key findings from the report include:

• A 132% increase in physical attacks over the last three years.
• A 104% rise in weapon-related incidents over the last three years, including a 136% surge from last year alone.
• A 10% increase in verbal abuse in the last three years.

These statistics mirror UK-wide data, including the 649,000 incidents of workplace violence reported in 2022/23, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Steve Hough, Managing Director at SoloProtect, commented: “Sadly, our data shows that physical attacks and incidents involving weapons are increasing exponentially among our customer base. These shocking statistics are a stark reminder of the risks that workers face across the UK.

“In these scenarios, picking up a phone to call 999 can further aggravate an already serious situation or, in the worst cases, victims are physically unable to make the call. This is where a lone worker safety device comes into its own. A victim or onlooker can discreetly call for help at the push of a button and our operators can arrange a level 1 police response on their behalf.”

Lone Worker Safety Risks Across Industries

SoloProtect’s insights underscore the dangers faced by lone workers, with its data reflecting real-world scenarios in key sectors:

Retail: The retail sector continues to experience alarming levels of violence. The British Retail Consortium reported 475,000 incidents of violence and abuse in 2022/23, while the Association of Convenience Stores documented over 1.2 million cases of verbal abuse and 76,000 violent incidents in 2024 alone.

Healthcare: NHS data revealed record levels of discrimination in 2024, with 29% of ethnic minority staff facing harassment, bullying, or abuse from patients. Healthcare workers, many of whom operate alone, increasingly rely on lone worker safety solutions to navigate these challenges.

Local Government: Verbal and physical assaults against council workers, particularly in public-facing roles, have risen significantly in 2024. According to government data, there are thousands of incidents of assault on council workers every year, with 88% of councillors reporting repeated abuse.

Transport: With a 33% increase in sexual offences on London public transport and 4,088 attacks at UK railway stations in 2023, transport workers are increasingly at risk. SoloProtect’s rising number of weapon-related alerts underscores the importance of providing effective lone worker solutions to protect this vulnerable workforce.

SoloProtect’sRole in Lone Worker Protection

SoloProtect’s lone worker monitoring solutions are critical in safeguarding employees across these industries. The company’s Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is a lifeline for workers, delivering real-time monitoring and rapid response. With a response time of 4.9 seconds—50% faster than BS 8484 standards—the ARC handled 51,421 alarms in the UK in 2024, supporting workers in moments of critical need.

Our mission is to ensure that lone workers feel protected and supported, no matter the circumstances, each alarm represents a worker in danger, and our priority is to deliver swift and effective support.

Read the full SoloProtect Impact Report to learn more about lone worker safety in 2024.

Prioritise Lone Worker Safety

As workplace violence continues to escalate, SoloProtect is urging employers to make lone worker protection a priority. From retail staff to healthcare professionals, council workers, and transport employees, ensuring the safety of lone workers is a vital step toward building safer workplaces and communities.

For more information on SoloProtect's Safety Solutions you can book a free demonstration of our products, or get in touch.