Lone Worker Technology
Lone worker technology offers solutions that allow people who work on their own to feel connected and safe. But, with so many options out there it can be difficult to know what technology works best for you.
A closed solution provider uses an off-the-shelf device that can quickly be integrated into your business but may limit the customization leaders need to address all of your workplace safety risks. An open solution provider uses an app that is downloaded onto portable existing devices.
Two-Way Radios
In an industry where speed of response is paramount, two-way radios have carved out a unique space as lifelines that connect lone workers to their colleagues. These rugged communication devices are designed for use in harsh conditions and provide clear, reliable communication even in remote areas. Compared to mobile phones, two-way radios can deliver superior range and clarity, and are more durable in terms of their build quality and battery life.
In addition to being an integral part of lone worker communications, these robust devices can also be a vital safety tool. Having instant communication across your workforce reduces response times, improves results and allows you to address issues as soon as they arise. Oftentimes, it takes just a few moments for an issue to escalate from a small hiccup into a potentially dangerous situation, so having the capability to quickly communicate with all staff can make all the difference.
While you can use any two-way radio to communicate with your team, it is best to select one that has lone worker features built in. These lone worker alerts can include sensor integration that can detect a lack of movement or if the radio is suddenly tilted horizontally, both typical indicators that something is wrong. These features can also send an alarm to monitoring personnel who can then contact the lone worker and request that they contact emergency services.
These safety features can be triggered automatically or manually and depending on your system of choice, you can customize the timeframe in which the radio will remain active to prevent false alarms from being triggered. For example, Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO, Hytera and Entel two-way radios all feature a Man Down prompt which will send an alert to predesignated contacts when the worker fails to respond to a wellness check or missed an SOS signal.
The radio will then begin to emit audible and visible beams for other radio users to track down the lone worker. It will also continue to chirp every few seconds until the lone worker signals their status or is rescued.
Satellite Devices
There are workers who work in remote environments who need the ability to communicate with a monitoring centre. These devices can come in the form of handheld satellite devices, smartphone apps or Bluetooth buttons. They typically offer multiple functions such as panic/emergency activation and alerting, GPS location sharing and periodic well-being check-ins. These types of lone worker technologies enable organizations to keep their workers safe while streamlining management, reducing risk and complying with local workplace health and safety laws.
Many of the same benefits of lone worker technology can be applied to indoor settings, as well. Workers in professions such as healthcare, social services and security guards who spend most of their time in buildings or structures that have no cell coverage may find a lone worker device to be very beneficial.
Some lone worker devices are designed to operate on the Iridium satellite network which offers 100% global connectivity, making it ideal for lone workers who travel between different locations with differing levels of cellular coverage or who work in underground environments where a GPS signal gets stuck in concrete. The ability to connect via satellite cuts down on the TTFF (Time to First Fix) of an emergency call and ensures that workers can be located quickly no matter where they are in the world.
Other lone worker devices are able to use both cellular and satellite connections at the same time, a key feature for workers who need to switch between areas with varying degrees of cellular coverage. For example, a crew that regularly travels between locations with reliable cell coverage and remote settings where coverage is limited will need a solution that can provide consistent connectivity.
The order in which an alert is processed by a monitoring center will vary between providers, but most will prioritize locating the device and its user. This means they will look at the initial device location before starting an alarm verification. This can be an invaluable tool in averting false alarms and ensuring that the appropriate emergency response is initiated as quickly as possible.
GPS Tracking Devices
Many lone workers work in remote environments with limited cellular connectivity. This creates a risk for emergency situations that could require a rapid response from safety personnel. The use of a GPS tracker allows managers and supervisors to know where the worker is at any given time. The device will signal an emergency situation if a worker fails to perform a safety check-in or confirm their wellbeing. Check-ins can be automated using a mobile lone worker app and are often combined with features such as motion sensing alarms or panic buttons that can instantly alert a designated person of the worker’s location and status.
The global positioning system (GPS) is an accurate network of satellites that can locate a tracker’s position without the need for cell phone reception. TWIG Australia’s lone worker GPS tracking devices are based on this technology and have been designed specifically for lone worker protection. The device transmits a GPS signal from an underground relay before sending a message to a satellite in high orbit around the Earth. The GPS coordinates are then transmitted to a monitoring centre where the location of the device is calculated and recorded.
As a result, any lone worker with a lone working GPS tracker can be located quickly and accurately even in the most remote locations. In addition, the device can be used to automatically send a text or email message and an SOS message to a designated person. This can prove vitally important for lone workers who are involved in an incident such as a fall or other injury, or if they suffer from a medical crisis.
Some lone worker devices also include the option to enable a worker to manually disable their tracking for short periods of time, in line with company lone working procedures. This gives employees the flexibility to use a lone worker monitoring device for their safety but not be monitored all the time, such as when visiting a relative or dropping children off at school.
To ensure a lone worker’s safety, the company must establish clear lone working policies and develop a comprehensive emergency response plan to cover all scenarios that may arise. Depending on the risks identified, this could involve training lone workers in first aid or ensuring the presence of a colleague nearby to act as an immediate point of escalation for any potential problems that occur.
Smartphones
Many lone workers use smartphones to perform their jobs, especially when working from home or on the move. Many of these devices have a built-in panic button that can notify safety personnel. Man Down Device This can be useful for workers who may need to quickly raise the alarm – such as security guards patrolling a dark area, taxi drivers or maintenance staff who have access to power tools.
These lone worker apps can also be programmed to disable all other unwanted functionality on the phone, so that for example, a driver can use their smartphone to check in, call a supervisor or request assistance but cannot browse the internet or access social media. This can improve both personal safety and productivity because workers will not be distracted during their shift.
The newest development in smartphone technology is the ability to enable voice commands. This feature allows users to open the app, start their shift, check in or request help without touching their device. This is extremely useful for people who are moving around a lot or working up ladders.
Dedicated lone worker devices have a built-in panic button which is designed to reduce battery strain on the phone. These devices can also be used in conjunction with other safety and smart working systems. For example, some body-worn cameras can be linked together using Bluetooth so that if one camera is activated, all of them will turn on, and the footage can be sent to an incident command centre for emergency response.
Many lone worker devices can be connected to GPS trackers for improved location monitoring. This is particularly important for workers who are operating in remote settings where cell coverage is often unreliable. In some cases, a lone worker safety solution will incorporate both cellular and satellite connectivity, such as the Bivy Stick which can transform a standard smartphone into a lone worker device with global coverage via the Iridium satellite network.
In addition to the above technologies, many lone workers use other safety equipment such as personal alarms. These can be helpful for workers who are at risk of being physically attacked or if they lose their way and need to get back on track. They are also a great way to make employees feel safer and show that their employer takes their safety seriously.
