Lone-Worker-Monitoring-i

Lone worker monitoring is a key part of any workplace safety strategy. It provides peace of mind for both employees and employers by ensuring that an employee will never be alone without a means to report an incident or request assistance.

You can implement a cost-effective solution that uses GPS to track your employees’ location and send you alerts in real-time. It can be deployed using a range of devices that suit varying risk profiles.

Detection

A lone worker can be at a high risk of injury or illness whilst working alone and away from their immediate support network. They may be isolated in remote locations, exposed to extreme weather or be in a situation where they are unable to move due to immobilizing injuries such as falls or attacks.

Using a lone worker monitoring system ensures that staff are safe and accounted for, helping businesses comply with health and safety regulations. It also reduces the risk of fines and legal action. To ensure the correct lone worker monitoring solution is in place, start by performing a hazard assessment to identify any workplace hazards or risks.

Once the hazard assessment has been completed, implement a lone worker monitoring system to protect your team from accidents or emergencies. Using a bespoke lone worker device that can connect to a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch, workers can quickly and discreetly check in, send a duress alert or signal an emergency through a panic button. Alternatively, workers can use a lone worker app to check in, complete safety forms and checklists, communicate with supervisors and more from one user-friendly dashboard.

Time based check ins are a reliable and simple way to keep track of lone workers. These work by a worker receiving a prompt asking them if they are all right and if not, an alert is automatically sent to their supervisor with the option to escalate to a 2-way call.

Notification

Lone worker monitoring can help employers to provide a safer environment for their employees by providing the ability to instantly alert emergency services when they need assistance. This can be triggered when a worker’s check in alarm is activated, or the worker initiates an SOS alert using their device. The ability to monitor a worker’s location is another critical function of a lone worker monitoring system. This allows managers to track their employees’ real time GPS location and enables the option for workers to be tracked in background mode, meaning they can keep the app minimised on their phone throughout a shift without losing access to the functionality.

Many lone worker monitoring systems allow supervisors to contact colleagues directly via the device to handle overdue, assistance required or SOS alerts. This option works well for high risk lone workers as it means that an internal point of escalation is always available to them. alarm devices However, this can lead to a delay in response if someone else is not immediately available.

Using a zero-button safety solution such as AlertMedia’s lone worker monitoring software means that all alerts are sent to our 24/7 alarm center where they can be handled and acted upon by a highly trained team of experts. This can include a full dispatch of law enforcement, if needed. The capability to notify law enforcement is a powerful deterrent against attackers and provides a sense of confidence for your workforce.

Response

Lone worker monitoring allows managers to check in with staff, receive alerts and run activity reports. These solutions can be customised for each business’s requirements. A comprehensive solution such as SHEQSY will offer a range of features such as real-time GPS location tracking, duress alarm activation, automated check-ins and overtime alerts, along with customisable user settings and hazard reporting.

When employees work alone they can encounter a range of risks such as aggression from the public, animal attack, hazardous environments, equipment and isolation. Ideally, these risks should be minimised through direct supervision but this isn’t always possible or affordable.

In the event of an emergency, a lone worker can press a button on their device which will initiate a 2-way call to an Alarm Receiving Centre. This will be displayed as a highlighted call on the Lone Worker screen and an operator will speak with the employee to establish what has happened and what assistance is required.

Alternatively, an in-house ARC solution can be used which will operate on your network and send emergency notifications to in-house security or control centre personnel. This is a cost-effective option and gives you complete control of the response. However, you should be aware that the ARC may need to follow your pre-determined escalation procedures, which will differ depending on the nature of the incident.

Reporting





Employees who work alone some or all of the time are at a greater risk for a variety of reasons. Lone worker monitoring gives managers and supervisors peace of mind that their employees are safe on the job.

Lone worker monitors typically allow employees to share their real-time location, check in regularly and set an automated count down until their next required check in. Often, these systems are equipped with a panic button that can be activated if an employee experiences an emergency and escalation procedures automatically begin.

Depending on the type of business you operate, some lone worker monitoring options include a self-managed online portal where you can view all alerts and activity, as well as access usage reports. Others offer a fully outsourced alarm centre to handle all notifications, and some combine both.

Whichever option you choose, be clear with your employees about what data you’re collecting from them and why. This will help alleviate any privacy concerns and increase the likelihood of long term success for your lone worker monitoring solution.

Whether you opt for an outsourced or in-house solution, all lone worker monitoring incidents should be recorded so that they can be reviewed to identify any issues and prevent future occurrences. This is also a legal requirement in some cases. Taking this step is essential to comply with health and safety laws and improve the effectiveness of your lone worker monitoring solution.