Notes

Lone Worker Alarms and Personal Safety Devices
A good lone worker alarm or personal safety device will help your employees quickly summon help if they feel threatened or witness threatening behavior. They should also include a manual emergency latch, fall detection and an automated check-in feature.

Many lone worker safety devices use Bluetooth technology to communicate with monitoring services and offer features like two-way communication, GPS tracking or gas detection. Other options are satellite-based and can work in areas where WIFI or cellular service isn’t available.
Wearable Devices

A wearable device is a small, discreet gadget that employees can clip to their safety gear or ID badge. They connect to the employee’s smartphone or other mobile device and offer features like a discreet panic button, two-way communication, and GPS location. These devices can also have an alarm that is triggered when they detect motion or lack of movement, which signals to monitoring staff that the employee needs assistance.

The drawback to these types of worker safety devices is that the employee must remember to bring them with them from job to job, and make sure they’re fully charged. They can also be inaccessible if the employee has to keep their hands free to perform their duties, and some can be uncomfortable or cumbersome to wear for prolonged periods of time.

Some lone worker devices come in the form of an app that is downloaded onto a worker’s mobile device. This system is a great option for lone workers who need to check in with their employers regularly, as the apps can automatically send alerts to the employer when an employee fails to check in at a preset interval. In addition, the app can have other emergency response tools like a man down alarm that will immediately request help for an employee who has not moved for an extended period of time, which signals that they may be unconscious or in danger.
Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios aren’t just useful for public safety workers and military personnel; they offer vital worker safety features to any organisation that faces real-world risk on a daily basis. lone worker devices Unlike mobile phones that can easily crack or be rendered useless by the slightest knock, professional digital two-way radios are designed and built to be robust and reliable for use in harsh, hazardous environments. Many come ATEX certified and are rated IP67 to ensure they can be used in dusty and watery conditions without losing function or causing sparks that could lead to explosions.

A number of two-way radios feature GPS positioning and a 'Man Down' function, which allows staff to set their radio into lone work mode and for managers or supervisors to check in on them at pre-set intervals to ensure they are safe. In the event that a lone worker is not responded to, an alarm signal will be sent across the two-way radio network to all users to notify them that the colleague needs help.

Two-way radios can also be used to instantly alert colleagues of any changes in the surrounding environment, such as traffic issues or sudden changes in weather. In warehouses or manufacturing plants, this can save lives by preventing accidents caused by miscommunication such as dropped crates or dangerous spills. These devices are also highly effective in schools and retail stores to keep both students and shoppers safe.
Carry Devices

For employees who work alone, a variety of devices can help them summon assistance if they feel threatened or witness inappropriate behavior. Many of these devices are discreet and undetectable, helping to reduce employee stress and discomfort in the workplace. Lone worker safety devices can also allow workers to reach out to their employers or emergency services if they are in a medical or other accident.

These devices include portable satellite communicators, GPS trackers and smartphones with lone worker apps. They can be worn on the wrist, neck or clipped to clothing. They have long battery life, two-way communication and GPS location tracking for monitoring purposes. Some have a panic button that can be triggered to send an alert to a specified list of contacts and can be programmed to automatically contact up to 10 people when pressed. Some also offer a fall detection function, man down and no motion detection to ensure that employees are always safe.

Before choosing a lone worker device, it's important to identify the specific threats to the employee and choose the most suitable option. For example, home health care nurses might be based in unfamiliar neighborhoods where they could be exposed to robbery or violent behavior from strangers, while electrical workers can encounter dangerously high voltage that poses a threat to their personal safety. If possible, it's also a good idea to look for devices that are easily incorporated into everyday mobile phones and tablets as this can save money and improve the user experience by using familiar technology.
Check-In Apps

Using smartphones, tablet computers or other devices with mobile internet connectivity, check-in apps provide an easy way for remote workers to confirm their safety. Lone workers can also use these systems to summon help if they are threatened, witness inappropriate behavior or suffer an accident or medical emergency.

Unlike traditional paper logs that are time-consuming and susceptible to human error, check-in apps make it easier to track remote employees. These digital solutions offer a variety of features that ensure staff members follow safety procedures, from periodic health and safety checks to real-time location tracking, hazard reporting, calendar and scheduling integrations and customizable escalation processes.

One example is Blackline Safety's Loner app for iPhone and Android devices, which replaces productivity-draining check-in protocols with a simple system that works with existing mobile phones or satellite devices. Employees estimate how long they'll be working, then click "Start" to begin a timed check-in session. When the timer runs out, an alert is sent to a network of contacts, who can then deploy appropriate assistance.

Another example is Guardian's Fob, a small device that workers wear on their wrist or attach to their keys. When a worker feels threatened or experiences an accident, they can press the button to send an alarm that is monitored by a 24/7 call center. The system can also notify a manager of an incident so that he or she can dispatch appropriate assistance.
Website: https://loneworkerdevices.com