Lone worker protection DGUV Rule 112-139: Obligations, risk assessment and checklist for Germany, Austria and the EU

• The Lone worker protection according to DGUV rule 112-139 In Germany, Austria, and many other EU countries, this is the sole central set of rules for safe working conditions. This guide explains the legal obligations for employers and provides a complete overview.
  Checklist for working alone DGUV, a practice-oriented Working alone: ​​Risk assessment and compares the requirements in the most important European markets – including smart technical solutions such as personal emergency signaling systems (PNA).

According to DGUV Regulation 112-139 "Use of Personal Emergency Signaling Systems," working alone is defined as when a person performs tasks beyond the range of other employees – meaning no other person can intervene directly or call for help in an emergency. The decisive factor is not simply distance, but the actual risk that no one will be able to provide assistance in a critical situation.

In Germany, the obligation arises to Lone Worker Protection from the combination of Section 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG), Section 3 of DGUV Regulation 1 and DGUV Rule 112-139. In Austria, the legal basis is Section 61 of the Workplace Ordinance (AStV) in conjunction with the Employee Protection Act (ASchG). At the EU level, the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC as a common framework for all member states.

The DGUV Rule 112-139 (formerly BGR/GUV-R 139) specifies the requirements for the use of personal emergency signaling systems and thus the protection of lone workers in Germany. It is accompanied by:

2.1 Employer's obligations according to DGUV Rule 112-139

In Austria, Section 61 of the Workplace Ordinance (AStV) regulates the requirements for working alone. According to this ordinance, hazardous work performed alone is only permitted if effective monitoring is ensured – through personal, technical, or organizational measures. The AUVA (General Accident Insurance Institution) recommends, analogous to DGUV Regulation 112-139, the use of technical emergency signaling systems.

Specifically, Austrian law stipulates:

• Evaluation:
  A written evaluation (corresponds to the German risk assessment) according to §§ 4 and 5 ASchG.
• Monitoring measures:
  Establishment of effective monitoring measures for each hazardous lone work activity.
• Instruction:
  Training and documented instruction of lone workers.
• First aid & emergency call:
  Provide suitable first aid facilities and emergency call options.

Practical standards in Austria include ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8002 (emergency call and alarm systems) and ÖNORM Z 1000 (safety and health management). The AUVA leaflets M.plus 070 and M 080 specify the requirements for lone work, comparable to DGUV Rule 112-139.

Even though each EU member state has its own detailed regulations, the protection of lone workers is universally based on EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC. Anyone operating within the European Union – for example, as a manufacturer, service provider, or corporation with cross-border locations – should be aware of the national specifics.

It has proven effective in practice to choose a PNA system that... DGUV Rule 112-139 as well as the French DATI standard NF X35-103 / NF C48-150 This fulfills the requirements. This covers almost all national requirements within the EU internal market.

The Working alone: ​​Risk assessment According to DGUV Regulation 112-139, this is the core element of lone worker protection. It is legally required (§ 5 ArbSchG, § 4 ASchG) and must be created, documented, and regularly updated before work commences.

5.1 Seven-Step Model

1. Describe the activity:
   Who works alone, where, for how long, and with what resources?
2. Identify hazards:
   Identify mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal, ergonomic, psychological and biological hazards.
3. Assess the risk:
   Assess the probability of occurrence and the severity of damage using a risk matrix.
4. Define measures (TOP principle):
   Define technical, organizational, and personal protective measures.
5. Implement measures:
   Procure PNA, train staff, create an emergency plan and organize a reception area.
6. Check effectiveness:
   Conduct functional tests, test alarms, and employee surveys.
7. Document and update:
   Update the risk assessment regularly – at least annually or whenever changes occur.

5.2 Typical hazards of working alone

• Fall and crash:
  For example, maintenance at height, ladder work, roof surfaces or silos.
• Unconsciousness / medical emergency:
  Heart attack, stroke or hypoglycemia while working alone.
• Mechanical hazards:
  Squeezing, pushing or pinching on machines and equipment.
• Electrical hazards:
  Working on or near live electrical components.
• Chemical and biological hazards:
  Handling hazardous substances or oxygen deficiency in confined spaces.
• Thermal hazards:
  Heat, cold, or hot surfaces in the work area.
• Fire and explosion:
  Risks in ATEX areas, warehouses or boiler rooms.
• Psychological stress:
  Assaults, threats, loneliness, or night shifts.
• Criminal attacks:
  Increased risk, for example, at petrol stations, care services or in the field.

This Checklist for working alone DGUV This form is based on DGUV Regulation 112-139 and can be used directly in the workplace for audit preparation, risk assessment, and annual effectiveness reviews. Answer each question with "Yes," "No," or "Action required."

DGUV Rule 112-139 requires effective protective measures – and smart technology makes this possible. Lone Worker Protection Today, personal emergency signaling systems are significantly simpler and more reliable than just a few years ago. Modern personal emergency signaling systems combine several protective functions in a single device – often in the form of a smartphone or wearable.

7.1 Functional scope of a modern PNA

• Automatic alarm:
  SOS button on the device or via app.
• Situation alert:
  Detects unintentional horizontal position (fall, unconsciousness).
• Silent alarm:
  Reacts to immobility for a defined period of time.
• Escape alarm:
  Detects panicked movements or impact.
• Time alarm / dead man's switch:
  Requires regular confirmation.
• Indoor and outdoor tracking:
  GPS, BLE beacons, UWB, WLAN.
• Language communication:
  Direct voice contact with the emergency call center.
• Geofencing:
  Automatic activation in risk zones.
• Man-overboard / height function:
  For offshore and high-altitude work.

7.2 Selection criteria for the right PNA

• Compliance with standards:
  Conformity with DGUV Rule 112-139, DIN VDE V 0825 and, depending on the market, ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8002 (AT), SUVA leaflet 67023 (CH) or NF X35-103 (FR).
• ATEX approval:
  Suitable for potentially explosive atmospheres in zones 1, 2, 21 and 22.
• Protection class:
  At least IP67 for dusty and humid environments.
• Control center connection:
  Connection to a certified Emergency Call and Service Center (NSL) according to DIN EN 50518.
• Privacy Policy:
  GDPR-compliant data storage within the EU.
• Battery power:
  Battery life of at least 16 hours including fast charging and hot-swap function.
• Interfaces:
  Open APIs as well as MQTT and REST interfaces for integration into control systems.

7.3 Economic benefits of smart solutions

Industry studies (DGUV, AUVA, EU-OSHA) show that every lone worker accident resulting in personal injury that is avoided saves an average of €50.000 to €200.000 in direct costs – plus lost work time, reputational damage, and the risk of fines under Section 130 of the German Administrative Offenses Act (OWiG). A personal emergency response (PNA) solution with a 24/7 control center typically pays for itself within 12 to 24 months.

Virtually every industry has jobs that involve working alone. DGUV Rule 112-139 is particularly relevant:

• Industry and production:
  Maintenance, repairs, shift work and cleaning work.
• Energy and water management:
  Work in substations, pumping stations and during power plant tours.
• Construction and crafts:
  Roofers, electricians and plumbers on individual construction sites.
• Logistics and transport:
  Truck driver, warehouse work on the night shift and order picking.
• Care and social services:
  Outpatient care, social services and home visits.
• Security and building management:
  Security, janitorial services and reception areas.
• Forestry and agriculture:
  Chainsaw work, animal husbandry and field service operations.
• Retail and catering:
  Gas stations, late shifts and checkout areas.
• IT, data centers and telecommunications:
  On-call services and maintenance work in data centers.

1. Inventory:
   Systematically record all activities involving working alone.
2. Create a risk assessment:
   Implementation in accordance with DGUV Rule 112-139 or AStV § 61.
3. Develop a protection concept:
   Define technical and organizational measures according to the TOP principle.
4. Select PNA system:
   Define requirements and compare suitable providers.
5. Start pilot operation:
   A four- to eight-week practical test with selected employees.
6. Training and instruction:
   Provide comprehensive training to employees, supervisors, and NSL personnel.
7. Roll-out:
   Gradual, company-wide rollout of the system.
8. Continuous Improvement:
   Utilize KPIs, audits, employee feedback, and annual re-evaluation.

• Error 1:
  Working alone is not systematically recorded → Solution: central activity matrix.
• Error 2:
  "We simply call every 30 minutes." → Manual checks are not DGUV-compliant for critical lone work.
• Error 3:
  Smartphone apps without a certified NSL → no alarm reliability according to DIN EN 50518.
• Error 4:
  Devices without position and time alarms → unconsciousness will not be detected.
• Error 5:
  No indoor location tracking → Rescue workers cannot find accident victims in large properties.
• Error 6:
  Failure to conduct annual expert inspections → Violation of DGUV Rule 112-139.
• Error 7:
  Neglecting data protection → GDPR fines of up to 4% of group turnover.
• Error 8:
  No test alarms → In a real emergency, the alarm chain will fail.

PNA systems often process location data and audio streams. Therefore, they are subject to... GDPR (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) as well as national data protection laws (BDSG, DSG Austria). Location data may only be processed for the purpose of lone worker protection – not for performance or behavior monitoring.

Before the introduction of a PNA in Germany, a company agreement In Germany, the works council must be involved (§ 87 para. 1 no. 6 Works Constitution Act). In Austria, a corresponding agreement with the works council is required according to § 96a Labor Relations Act. In the Netherlands, the Ondernemingsraad (OR) must be involved, in France the CSE, and in Belgium the CPPT/CBPW.

The Lone worker protection according to DGUV rule 112-139 It is not a bureaucratic end in itself, but rather the protection of life. Anyone who takes a careful approach... Working alone: ​​Risk assessment created, a complete Checklist for working alone DGUV By processing tasks and using a modern, networked PNA, a company not only protects its employees but also the company from liability and reputational risks.

In the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), DGUV Rule 112-139 has established itself as the gold standard. For companies operating across borders, a PNA solution is recommended, which also... NF X35-103 (France) and the EN 50518 (Emergency call and service centers, EU-wide) fulfilled – thus ensuring legal compliance throughout the entire EU internal market.

About this guide

This guide to Lone worker protection DGUV Rule 112-139 This document was prepared for employers, safety professionals, and compliance officers in Germany, Austria, and the EU. It does not replace individual legal or safety advice. Last updated: May 2026. Sources include: DGUV Rule 112-139, DIN VDE V 0825-1, German Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), DGUV Regulation 1, Section 61 of the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (AStV), German Occupational Safety and Health Act (ASchG), SUVA 67023, INRS ED 985, EU-OSHA, EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC.