The Best Lone Worker Safety Devices
Lone workers must have access to quick ways of seeking assistance without unlocking their phone or scrolling through an app, making an SOS button essential for their safety.
A dedicated lone worker device doesn't rely on existing smartphones and can function even in remote areas with limited cellular coverage. Furthermore, these devices provide more privacy protections than apps which force round-the-clock tracking by only sharing location data when an alert occurs.
1. Personal Panic Button
Lone workers undertake some of the most dangerous work and must be able to communicate in case of emergency. Many devices exist to protect lone workers, from standalone lone worker devices with panic buttons to smartphone apps that pair with GPS and bluetooth devices to provide safety monitoring capabilities. Your lone workers need the ability to quickly signal for help quickly and reliably from anywhere - be it an unfamiliar neighborhood or inside an electrical plant.
Standalone or "all-in-one" lone worker devices tend to be the most expensive single choice for solo workers. These lone worker devices feature panic buttons, two-way communication features and an SOS alarm triggered with just a press of a button - as well as being convenient enough to carry in pockets or be clipped onto lanyards; even without mobile signal available they will work.
Other lone worker safety devices connect to an existing smartphone and offer additional functionality such as fall detection or automatic check-in to ensure compliance with company lone working policies. Many of these monitoring solutions also feature GPS tracking features which alert supervisors in an emergency.
Before choosing a lone worker safety solution, take into account what potential threats your workers face. Home health care nurses, for example, could face operating in unfamiliar neighborhoods while electricians might encounter high voltage. Lab workers at research facilities might encounter dangerous chemicals or equipment.
Once you understand what risks face your lone workers, look for solutions that best address them. A cloud-connected lone worker safety device like Blackline's G7 LONE WORKER may provide instant emergency response via its personal panic button and live monitoring feature; an app-linked device like SoloProtect Chaperone allows users to share location data only when requested or during an alert situation.
2. Fall Detection
Lone workers often work in remote locations where it may be harder to get help, making avoiding injury an absolute priority for them. Luckily, there are numerous methods they can employ to safeguard themselves and reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. Some measures taken by individuals include having a personal alarm device and being prepared for weather and emergency conditions by carrying first aid kits, extra food and water supplies and portable tents to avoid sunburn and heatstroke. Communication is also key for lone workers as they often operate from isolated environments and stay in touch with others may be challenging. A lone worker device provides an effective solution as it enables easy dialogue among colleagues while being activated with a simple press of a button.
One effective method for keeping lone workers safe is using a fall detection system. These will notify emergency contacts automatically if someone falls or becomes unconscious; however, be mindful that these devices may not always detect falls if someone hits their head, or is inactive or has run out of battery power.
SHEQSY offers a selection of discreet Bluetooth wearables and handheld satellite devices designed for lone worker safety in any work environment, as well as our monitoring app enabling users to quickly trigger a duress alarm, check in frequently, complete safety forms/checklists/hazard reports etc. Additionally, SHEQSY's app works in tandem with other lone worker devices to help businesses fulfill their duty of care obligations for employees who work alone.
3. GPS Tracking
When a lone worker needs assistance, their device is programmed to automatically send an alert. This alert reaches the ARC, providing important details like their location and cause for the alarm - so they can immediately provide assistance or dispatch emergency services as necessary.
These devices are user-friendly for lone workers and often offer cost-effective solutions; pairing with existing smartphones, they may even come equipped with features like fall detection.
Some lone worker devices feature an integrated GPS tracker that enables their emergency response center (ARC) to identify their precise location in real-time, significantly shortening response time and saving lives. Furthermore, it enables teams back at work to monitor and support lone workers instead of depending on an emergency 999 call centre for support.
GPS-enabled lone worker devices offer another benefit for remote workers: instant chat lines that enable two-way communication and live tracking. This is particularly helpful for lone workers working in areas where mobile coverage may be hard to come by.
App-based lone worker systems have become increasingly popular, but some employees may prefer an independent device to meet their lone worker needs. These "all-in-one" devices offer alerts, GPS location sharing and hands-free two-way communication - even making an ideal badge or lanyard attachment! Although such standalone devices typically carry higher price tags than app-based solutions they also tend to be bulkier and harder to conceal compared with smartphone-based apps with some even boasting up to three days' battery life on one charge!
4. No-Motion Alert
Lone workers often work alone in remote locations with hazardous chemicals and high-voltage electrical equipment, placing themselves at increased risk of injury if they can't quickly contact someone for assistance or guidance. Employers can meet their duty of care obligations by equipping lone worker safety devices with quick alert mechanisms that notify colleagues or emergency services in an instantaneous fashion of an incident that requires assistance or guidance.
The ideal devices for lone workers feature simple yet intuitive designs to enable employees to use them without needing formal training. Additional features should include two-way communication for emergencies or assistance requests and GPS tracking so monitoring centres or supervisors can quickly locate their workers.
Bodytrak is an electronic monitoring device designed to allow lone workers to keep an eye on their core temperature in order to detect when they may be at risk of overheating, sending an audio prompt if their core temperature goes beyond an identified threshold and prompting them to take steps towards cooling off before their situation worsens further. Furthermore, this device will notify both their control centre/supervisor as well as sharing their exact location so immediate assistance can be sent their way if necessary.
Safepoint's Lone Defender devices do not rely on apps and boast more robust features, including GPS tracking, panic buttons, automatic emergency detection, two-way communication and RFID tag scanning capabilities. Furthermore, these standalone lone worker devices connect directly with an alarm receiving centre (ARC) via cellular, which provides emergency services directly to the user without first needing to contact 999 first. Furthermore, these standalone devices only share an individual's location when an active alert has been triggered, giving peace of mind that their location won't be tracked without their opting-in permission unless something goes wrong.
5. Two-Way Communication
Lone workers often work alone for long hours and are exposed to physical harm or medical emergencies that require help quickly. Lone worker safety devices offer an additional layer of protection by tracking a person's location and alerting others if an emergency alert occurs.
Some lone worker safety devices use SIM cards to communicate with the outside world and are intended for discreet access in dangerous situations, ideally being worn around the wrist or clipped to a lanyard for discrete access. Unfortunately, such devices often require fine motor skills in order to unlock and operate properly during an emergency, creating further complications during stressful moments. App-linked lone worker devices connect directly with a user's smartphone via Bluetooth connection, making deployment an emergency response possible with just a single button press.
Peoplesafe Identicom 977 offers auto two-way communication for Man-Down alarms and Chaperone features to reassure employees they are not alone during non-alarm situations. Furthermore, upgraded 3G technology and GPS provides automatic sharing of locations to authorized individuals or radios during emergencies.
Remember that lone worker safety devices should supplement other workplace health and safety measures, including PPE, training programs, and written risk assessments. When choosing one for yourself or your team's workflow, pick one that's simple to use and doesn't force tedious check-in procedures upon the team. lone worker alarm device Also be sure it is compatible with both cellular networks as well as WiFi-enabled smartphones when selecting the ideal lone worker device.