Notes

The Best Lone Working Devices
When choosing a lone working device, it's important to consider an employee's needs and the job's risks. For instance, a healthcare professional who may need to discreetly call for help without their patients noticing might prefer a Bluetooth wearable with duress activation.

For remote jobs where cellular service isn't available, satellite devices pinpoint an employee's location and offer two-way communication. Some have fall detection capabilities, too.
Modems

A modem is a device that connects your home, via a telephone line or cable connection, to the Internet. It takes digital signals from your internet service provider (ISP) and translates them into analog signals that can travel over copper wires.

There are many different types of modems. The most common are DSL and cable modems, which use a coax cable to connect your devices with your ISP and then transfer data over the Internet. Most modern modems also have ports that accept ethernet cables, which carry broadband data between internet-capable devices.

Depending on your ISP, you may have a separate modem and router or you may have a modem-router combo. The latter are convenient because they take up less space than two separate devices, and they're often more affordable and offer better performance, such as higher speed. For lone workers who don't need a wireless router, a standalone modem is a good choice because it's cheaper and simpler to set up. However, you'll have to deal with Ethernet cables and may have limited connectivity.
Satellite Devices

For employees who must work outdoors where cell service is infrequent or nonexistent, satellite devices help them stay safe by delivering location monitoring and duress activation. They typically come in the form of handheld satellite devices (like the SPOT Gen4) and Bluetooth wearables that can be discreetly activated during a duress event. For more robust functionality, consider a satellite messenger like the Garmin inReach Mini or the new Motorola Defy that offers both GPS and cellular connectivity.

These devices connect to private networks of satellite systems that are designed for communication and data transfer (unlike the GPS network, which specializes in pinpointing locations). Garmin's devices like the inReach Mini use the Iridium service, while devices like the Bivy Stick, ZOLEO, and Somewear use the Globalstar system. Both have extensive coverage areas across the US, though Iridium has 66 operational satellites in orbit while Globalstar has 48.

The main function of any lone working device is its ability to send an emergency signal. When pressed, the SOS buttons on these devices communicate your location to private search and rescue services like GEOS and Global Rescue, which dispatch teams to your exact location.
Audio Alarms

Lone workers perform some of the most dangerous jobs, and ensuring they have a reliable way to call for help is a top priority. The best lone working devices offer a familiar and simple means of communicating an emergency to their assigned guardians, whether through a standard panic button or the more discreet Man-Down feature.

Audio alarms can also deter burglary by sounding an audible signal that distracts a potential perpetrator or scares them away. The sound of an audible alarm can even alert neighbors, giving them a chance to call police before a situation escalates.

Audible alarms can be built into many of the best lone worker devices, including smartphone apps. They can also be connected to industrial alarm systems that include piezo buzzers and electronic or motor-driven sirens with adjustable volume, selectable tone outputs and mounting options. In addition to triggering an alarm, most of these devices can display an active monitoring session on screen, showing a lone worker’s status and potentially deterring an attacker from trying to escalate the situation.
Two-Way Messaging

Lone workers often have to work in high-risk areas and may be unable to access cell networks. Whether they need to send a discreet panic alert or are trapped in a hazardous environment, a reliable lone worker app ensures they’re always connected and monitored.

These apps can also save businesses time and money. They allow employees to respond quickly and in the most effective way possible, which leads to a better customer experience. Man down Plus, it cuts out the need for customers to call or email a business, which can be difficult and inefficient.

Some standalone lone working devices provide additional safety functionality, including a duress button, GPS, long-life battery and two-way messaging. These include Blackline Safety’s Loner G7, Twig and StaySafe. These are ideal for remote locations and harsh environments. They have the ability to detect false falls, impact and no movement, provide a silent emergency alarm and can be fitted with Gas Detection kits.
Real-Time Alerts

Lone workers need their alerts responded to quickly – ideally within 10 minutes, or less. The more time passes without help coming for your employees, the greater the risk of them becoming injured or worse.

The best lone working devices are designed with this in mind, with emergency protocols that can be instantly triggered to get law enforcement on the scene before it’s too late. Whether it’s a panic button, 2-way comms or check in and timers, the faster you can notify police, the better.

It’s also important for lone workers to feel comfortable using the device they choose. Many of them won’t be used to taking extra equipment with them on the job, so finding a user-friendly solution that will fit seamlessly into their workflow is crucial. App-based lone worker monitoring solutions are one way to do this, with features such as a built-in panic alarm, GPS location tracking and two-way messaging on an existing smartphone. They can be paired with discreet wearables and handheld satellite devices for additional functionality if needed. Alternatively, a standalone lone worker device can be used to offer these functions in a simple and easy-to-use form factor.
Website: https://www.loneworkeralarms.co.nz/