Track worker wearing geofencing wearable device near railway with safe zone overlay
    Additional Track Worker Protection

    Geofencing — Real-Time Protection for Track Workers

    Rail geofencing that alerts workers and machine operators when they leave a safe zone. Delivered by RSS Infrastructure, powered by Tended.

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    Trusted by Network Rail and Tier 1 Contractors

    The Challenge

    Safety systems on the railway work. But near misses still happen. Human factors — miscommunication, fatigue, unfamiliar sites — mean workers can inadvertently leave safe zones or enter danger areas without realising.

    Near misses declining

    60% fewer track worker near misses than in 2018/19 — but improvement has plateaued

    Source: RAIB Annual Report 2024

    Human factors persist

    Human factors remain the leading cause of trackside safety incidents

    Source: RSSB Safety Report 2023/24

    New technology needed

    The next step change in track worker safety requires automated, technology-led solutions

    Source: RAIB Annual Report 2024

    Geofencing adds the next layer of protection — automated, continuous, and independent of human vigilance.

    How It Works

    Three simple steps from planning to protection.

    Rail geofencing step 1: Plan
    1

    Plan

    Map safe working zones, access points, and walkways on the online dashboard using your safe work pack details.

    Rail geofencing step 2: Protect
    2

    Protect

    Workers wear a small Tended device that alerts them with audible and visual warnings if they leave the safe zone.

    Rail geofencing step 3: Monitor
    3

    Monitor

    Real-time dashboard shows RAG status of all workers and equipment on site, giving supervisors full situational awareness.

    Key Benefits

    Geofencing technology that addresses real decision-maker concerns — safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

    Real-time worker alerts

    Audible and visual alerts if a worker leaves the safe zone — immediate, automated protection.

    No onsite infrastructure needed

    Uses Tended's established network. No base stations, no cabling — operational from day one.

    Fully managed service available

    RSS Infrastructure handles everything from consultation and planning to qualified staff and on-site management.

    Developed with Rail Sector

    Built alongside the industry, not outside it. Proven technology trusted by Network Rail and Tier 1 contractors.

    Reduces briefing errors

    Digital site overview reduces miscommunication from verbal and written instructions.

    Protects infrastructure too

    Geofence around bridges, points, and other assets to prevent plant damage and incursion.

    Service Options

    Flexible service tiers to suit your team's experience and project requirements.

    Fully Managed

    We handle everything — consultation, planning, qualified staff, and on-site management.

    Planning Service

    You own the devices; we provide expert planning and setup support.

    Dry Hire

    Flexible device hire for teams who are already trained and equipped.

    Not sure which is right for you?

    Trusted by the Industry

    Trusted by Network Rail and Tier 1 contractors across the UK rail network. Built on technology developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency.

    Siemens
    SRSA
    CRSA
    Network Rail

    "Geofencing gives us an additional layer of confidence that our people are protected — especially on complex, multi-discipline worksites."

    — Safety Director, Tier 1 Rail Contractor

    Free Webinar: See Geofencing in Action

    Join our upcoming live session covering real-world deployments, live demos, and Q&A with our geofencing specialists. Limited places — register now and we'll send you the details as soon as dates are confirmed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Rail geofencing uses GPS and wearable technology to create virtual safe zones around trackside worksites. Workers wearing a small Tended device receive audible and visual alerts if they leave the defined safe working area, providing real-time protection against accidental incursion into danger zones.

    Each worker wears a compact wearable device that communicates with the geofence system. When a worker approaches or crosses a geofence boundary, the device triggers audible and visual alerts. Supervisors can monitor all worker positions in real time via a web-based dashboard.

    No. Geofencing is an additional safety layer that works alongside existing procedures such as safe work packs, lookouts, and warning systems. It provides automated, continuous monitoring that supplements human vigilance.

    No fixed infrastructure is required. The system uses Tended's established network and wearable devices. Geofence zones are configured remotely via the online dashboard before work begins.

    Geofence zones can be configured on the dashboard using safe work pack details ahead of the work date. On-site setup involves issuing devices to workers — typically completed within minutes.

    We offer three tiers: Fully Managed (we handle everything from planning to on-site management), Planning Service (you own the devices, we provide expert planning and setup support), and Dry Hire (flexible device hire for trained teams). Contact us to discuss which option suits your project.

    Yes. Geofence zones can be set around bridges, points, overhead line equipment, and other assets to alert plant operators and workers before they risk causing damage.

    The geofencing service is delivered by RSS Infrastructure in partnership with Tended, the developer of the technology. Built on satellite capabilities developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency, it is trusted by Network Rail and leading Tier 1 rail contractors.

    Book a Consultation

    Tell us about your project and our geofencing specialists will get back to you within one working day to discuss your requirements.