Notes

Future Trends in Lone Worker Safety and Panic Button Technology
Lone workers have the unique challenge of ensuring their own safety without the benefit of coworkers nearby. If an accident occurs, they could be left vulnerable without the right technology to call for help.

One of the most effective methods to improve lone worker safety is by using automated check-ins. These are a simple but effective way for employees to confirm their safety and allow monitoring professionals to respond quickly to any issues that arise.
1. Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)

RTLS systems consist of tags (often called beacons) that are affixed to items or people, and gateways, often wireless, which transmit location data. The system locates objects or people as they move within a defined space by transmitting the signals from the tagged assets to the gateways, resulting in a real-time map of their locations.

Using RTLS to track the location of employees allows managers to reduce wasted time searching for onsite workers in large production facilities and warehouses. It also helps prevent contract leakage, unauthorized overtime and fatigue management by monitoring actual shift time versus scheduled hours.

It can also be used to ensure all onsite staff maintain a 2-meter distance, facilitate emergency mustering, and provide detailed contact tracing in high-risk environments such as chemical industry facilities or mines.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Many of the same technologies that have revolutionised productivity and business operations in recent years are now transforming worker safety structures. Despite some initial concerns, businesses have proven themselves noticeably open to embracing fast-evolving technology when it benefits their bottom line and overall worker safety structure.

AI is already enhancing safety and productivity in a variety of ways. From IBM Watson’s victories on Jeopardy to self-driving cars, AI is becoming increasingly central to the world’s biggest companies.

AI also provides the ability to analyse massive volumes of data that would be impossible for a human to process and understand. This allows organisations to identify possible points of failure within their products and processes and take appropriate action. It can also reduce maintenance and inspection times as well as eliminate error-prone manual tasks.
3. Immersive Virtual Reality (VR)

Providing lone workers with access to a panic button is an important way of showing that they are valued and their safety matters. It is also a great way of preventing assaults and intimidation in environments where this is common such as in hotels where housekeepers are at high risk of attacks or harassment from hotel guests.

Immersive virtual reality is a technology that allows users to experience a simulated environment using headsets with head-mounted displays or Cave Automatic Virtual Environments (room-sized cube VR environments). This immersive technology can be used for training and rehearsal simulations.

This type of training is gaining popularity with younger employees and helps them become familiar with situations they may encounter on the job without putting their lives in danger. It can also help train new employees on complex equipment that they would otherwise not be able to practice on.
4. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital 3D objects and animations onto real-world environments. It is used for a variety of applications including entertainment, marketing and navigation.

The algorithms behind AR are responsible for mapping the physical world and determining where to place digital content. AR can be displayed on mobile phones, tablets, smart glasses and head-mounted devices. It can also be delivered via the web without requiring the installation of an app.

Marker-based AR requires a marker such as a photo or QR code to initiate the AR experience. It can be static or interactive, such as a projected digital keyboard to type on or a digital compass. AR can also be projection-based, such as an augmented reality map or virtual object that is superimposed on the user’s view of the world.
5. Panic alarm Biometrics

Lone workers often work in remote and isolated locations. They may encounter dangerous wildlife, extreme weather or members of the public who could be a threat to their safety.

Many lone worker solutions use GPS and cellular technology to monitor staff and provide a quick way of signalling an emergency, such as triggering a panic button or letting their timed session expire. Lone worker apps also offer a variety of features such as escalation plans, man down alerts and safety check-ins.

Biometrics are physical identifiers such as fingerprints, retinal blood vessel patterns and voice recognition that are used to verify a person’s identity. They are a popular security measure that can be difficult to hack, unlike passwords and other traditional methods of authentication. This is why two-factor authentication with biometrics is an excellent choice for cybersecurity systems.
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