Features-to-Consider-When-Choosing-a-Lone-Worker-Panic-Button-c
Lone worker alarms give employees reassurance that help is just a click away. But for some professionals, this might not be enough.
Scatterling’s lone worker safety app has a simple and discreet panic button built-in as an icon on the home screen, ready to be used at any time, even when the device is locked.
1. Customizable Alerts
Lone worker safety devices are used by employees operating alone or in a potentially dangerous environment to summon help in case they feel threatened, witness inappropriate behavior or suffer an accident. A lone worker device with a panic button is a valuable tool in helping employees feel safe and secure.
A lone worker app, such as the SHEQSY lone worker monitoring system, can be customized to fit your organization’s specific needs and lone worker safety policy. With a simple and intuitive web-based dashboard, you can easily monitor the progress of your team as they work remotely. SHEQSY offers a wide range of customizable features including automated check in prompts, overtime alerts and emergency alarms that can be triggered when a timed session has lapsed or if a panic button is pressed.
When a lone worker device user triggers an alarm, the app automatically opens a one-way call to a monitoring center. They can then alert the appropriate authorities according to your organization’s escalation protocol.
This feature is particularly useful for workers who may be too stressed to contact the police. For example, hotel housekeepers are at risk of assault and intimidation from guests and can use a lone worker device with a panic alarm to quickly request assistance if they feel unsafe. The sound of an audible alarm can also startle potential attackers and scare them away.
2. Real-Time Monitoring
In addition to panic buttons, many lone worker alarm systems offer real-time monitoring. This can either be done in-house via an internal team, or externally through a 24/7 professional security monitoring centre. The monitoring centre will receive the alert, verify the duress situation and coordinate the appropriate response based on your organization’s lone worker safety policy.
For example, a utility maintenance employee is working from height and falls from their ladder. gps locator tracker Their lone worker device’s man down feature detects the fall and sends a duress alert to management. The monitoring center then dispatches emergency assistance based on the worker’s GPS coordinates.
This type of monitoring is invaluable for those in professions like realtors showing homes, health nurses visiting patients’ homes or utility workers operating in dangerous or remote areas. It allows employees to signal an incident, allowing them to get help faster if they need it, and gives organizations the peace of mind that their workers are safe in case of an emergency.
At the same time, these devices are designed to be used with portable existing mobile devices. This allows you to save on costs for new equipment while ensuring your staff are comfortable with the technology. Plus, lone worker panic buttons can be combined with features such as automated check-ins and fall detection to provide added security for your employees.
3. Location Tracking
Lone worker alarms, also known as personal safety devices, lone worker alarm apps and SOS buttons, go by many different names, but the main purpose is to protect a worker who finds themselves in dangerous or threatening situations. They can be used in a variety of settings, such as realtors showing property to clients, utility workers operating in dangerous locations or health nurses visiting patients.
When activated, a lone worker device will automatically send an emergency alert and GPS location to the employer and the employee’s designated monitoring center or group of contacts. It can also send periodic well-being check-ins. This can help identify potential issues, such as an unconscious employee or a missing worker, and prevent tragedy.
Some lone worker safety solutions allow employees to manually signal for help with a blue tooth panic button even if the device is locked. The app will then notify emergency contacts and provide their exact location, as well as any voicemails or work profile that they have provided previously. This feature is especially useful in situations where a lone worker may be forced to close their alarm, such as if they are in a car with a potentially violent individual or someone who is trying to steal their equipment.
Lone worker devices are a cost-effective way to enhance workplace safety and comply with health and safety regulations. They are easy to use and install, can be customized for each employee’s needs and come in a variety of forms, including smartphone apps, wearable sensors, Bluetooth buttons or handheld satellite devices.
4. Interoperability
For many lone workers, the biggest concern is ensuring help can be delivered quickly. Whether it is for health care staff visiting patients, police officers on patrol or real estate agents meeting with potential buyers, the shortest possible distance between them and an emergency is crucial. Lone worker safety solutions that work on a wide network are best for this purpose and can also provide an advantage over standalone panic buttons.
Lone worker safety devices with a panic button typically use either WIFI or cellular data to communicate and send the employee’s location. Using this information, security personnel or colleagues will be able to alert the lone worker and begin to respond to the situation. For even more protection, a discreet lone worker button can be added to these devices and can perform the same functions as the main device when used in conjunction with it.
Another option for lone workers is to use a downloadable app that connects with a centralized monitoring service. Rather than purchasing or bringing a separate device, employees can download the app onto their mobile phone and activate the panic button in an emergency by tapping on it. Depending on the system, a number of different options are available including 2-way communications, GPS tracking, fall detection and safety check in/out. This is a great solution for lone workers in areas that may have poor cellular coverage or are working in hazardous locations.
