Notes

Work Alone Devices Keep Employees Safe
From a utility worker fixing a pipeline in a remote location to security personnel patrolling a large property, work alone devices help keep employees safe. Lone worker safety apps and devices include discreet panic buttons and GPS tracking capabilities.

Some solutions rely on an app downloaded to portable existing smartphones, which can be easier for employees to use and reduce training time. Others include satellite devices to protect workers in environments without cellular coverage.
Two-Way Communication

Two-way communication is a key feature that every internal business communications system should include. The concept is fairly simple: the sender delivers a message and then the receiver responds with feedback or a question. Two-way communication is effective in overcoming ambiguity, ensuring accuracy, creating a democratic environment and increasing job satisfaction.

In modern workplaces where teams are often scattered across the country and even the globe, communication systems have to be fast, easy to use and provide a seamless way for employees to collaborate. Work alone devices have to be able to facilitate two-way communication and be fully integrated into existing intranet platforms. They should also be able to provide employees with a variety of tools for both collaboration and feedback.

The first step in fostering two-way communication is to understand the process of how messages are communicated. The sender of a message creates a thought in their head and then processes it into language to transmit the information. This is known as encoding. The message is then sent to the receiver who deciphers it and then shares their feedback with the sender.


Communication can take place face to face, over the telephone, via instant messaging or in writing. While verbal communication has the advantage of being able to convey a rich mix of visual non-verbal cues, written communication is more efficient and easier to manage in terms of time constraints.

When employees feel that their voice is heard, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. In the same way, if an employee feels that their opinion isn’t valued, they may become disengaged from the company and its mission.

The most important factor in fostering a culture of open communication is for company executives to lead by example. If a senior leader is seen to value and prioritize employee feedback, others will follow suit and be more likely to engage in conversations that could improve the overall efficiency of the organization.

There are many ways for companies to promote two-way communication in the workplace. A simple way to do this is to encourage workers and managers to discuss issues and ideas through instant messaging or email. A more in-depth way to promote two-way communication is through the creation of a dedicated feedback channel within your company newsletter. This will allow employees to easily share their suggestions and know that their recommendations will be utilized.
Panic Button

Designed to quickly summon help in situations of assault, robbery or any other dangerous situation that might put an employee at risk, panic buttons can act as a direct link between the person and emergency services. This instantly reduces response time and can significantly improve the chances of a staff member surviving a potentially life-threatening event.

Unlike other work alone devices that use audible alarms to alert security teams, panic buttons emit a silent signal over a wireless network to immediately notify management and/or security personnel. This feature is crucial as it enables staff to alert the authorities without alarming their assailant, which can often escalate the incident.

Many different companies offer panic button systems that can be installed in the workplace. However, not all are created equal. Some are simple devices that have minimal functionality and are mainly used for personal use, while others are built with enterprise roll-outs in mind and come equipped with a range of flexible features designed to protect anyone who might find themselves at risk of violence or intimidation at work.

Smart panic buttons allow users to build a list of trusted contacts who will be notified in the event they push their button. This could include the closest onsite security guard, co-workers, family members or even the emergency services. The system will then automatically send a text and audio message to this group, notifying them of the user’s location and asking for help in the event that they press their button.

As an extra layer of protection, some smart panic button systems have a “safe word” function that can be configured to cancel the request for emergency services from either the app or keypad. This can be a handy feature for elderly or disabled family members who need to retain the independence of visiting their peers, going shopping or taking a walk, while allowing them the peace of mind that help is always only a click away.
Location Tracking

Whether your employees are inspecting pipes in a remote field or patrolling a security complex, the ability to communicate and stay safe while working alone is essential. Lone worker safety devices provide discreet, undetectable tools and apps that allow lone workers to contact managers or in more serious situations, emergency services.

Work alone device features include two-way communication and location tracking. Some of the most reliable lone worker devices also offer a fall detection feature, an automated check-in system and 24/7 security monitoring to help keep your team safe.

While there are a variety of options for implementing lone worker safety systems, many organizations are choosing to invest in digital solutions. These scalable, integrated platforms can automate many processes and enhance visibility. Additionally, they are designed to be integrated with a variety of hardware and software options for additional functionality, such as a GPS tracking system.

Depending on the needs of your organization, you can choose from mobile applications, bluetooth devices and satellite communicators to meet your workplace safety requirements. Lone Worker NZ Regardless of the type of lone worker device you select, it should be easy to use and offer a number of critical capabilities, such as two-way communication, emergency alerting, a long-life battery and GPS tracking.

If your lone worker devices have a built-in cellular connection, they can connect to a network within seconds once turned on—no expensive intrinsically safe smartphones or hidden subscription costs required. The best lone worker safety devices also have a robust feature set, including emergency response notifications, missed check-ins and even contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak or other unforeseen crisis.

It’s important to implement a check-in system that requires lone workers to periodically confirm their safety or location, such as through text messages, phone calls, or dedicated lone worker devices. This helps to ensure that your lone workers have the ability to reach someone if they have a problem and allows you to track their movements throughout the day for more effective management of employee safety and compliance.

The use of GPS tracking devices has become controversial with privacy advocates. This is because the technology can be used for stalking and other illegal activities, especially when a person’s location is shared without their consent. Fortunately, the majority of lone worker devices are not reliant on GPS for their function and can be easily disabled.
Remote Monitoring

As technology evolves, the need for remote monitoring grows. It’s no longer feasible for an IT department to have someone stationed at each site and device in order to keep up with the needs of the equipment. Remote monitoring allows an IT department to monitor the health of all devices from a centralized dashboard and alert technicians when an issue arises.

In healthcare, remote monitoring can help clinicians and program directors to track patient progress in real-time. This can be especially important when treating chronic diseases such as diabetes or a chronic condition like atrial fibrillation, as well as keeping up with weight loss protocols and maternity care. By equipping patients with devices that can send data to a mobile app, healthcare providers are able to see how patients are doing and make adjustments in the most efficient way possible.

The ability to remotely monitor equipment can also be beneficial for businesses and industries that operate on tight margins. For example, retail companies that have many locations can utilize remote monitoring to ensure their point of sale devices are functioning properly. The ability to immediately identify any issues saves a company time and money and prevents downtime.

Remote monitoring helps to avoid tech hiccups that can escalate into larger problems and even disasters. The software that powers remote monitoring tools is designed to help prevent these issues by keeping an eye on all components of a system. These include the controller, gateway, communication, storage/cloud, and dashboard.


The ability to remotely monitor and manage assets enables an IT team to focus on growing their business while also maintaining a high level of service. With Dameware Remote Everywhere, IT professionals can receive automatic alerts and reports on key remote device metrics to stay in the know when it comes to the performance of their equipment. These features can save an IT team time and money while improving their business’s bottom line. By being able to quickly identify and address issues, they can provide better customer service and experience. As a result, their clients are more satisfied and happy.


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