When you are working alone, being able to use a reliable method by which you can call for help is an absolute must. Equipping our lone workers with safety alarms is a simple yet effective way to address this issue.
With all those options on the market, here is a list that highlights some of the key characteristics or features that lone worker devices should preferably have and how these can help guarantee that the members of the staff are protected.
Easy activation
In case of an emergency, receiving help fast is critical. Thus, probably one of the most important characteristics or features a lone worker device requires, is easy and quick activation. The user needs to be able to raise the alarm with a quick button press and it needs to be extremely clear how to do this, so that even if a worker had never seen or interacted with the device before they would be able to activate it quickly. Obviously, the flipside of this is that the alarm should not be so easy to activate that it regularly creates false alarms. To avoid false alarm activations, it is probably best to select a unit that requires a button to be held down for a number of seconds in order to trigger the alert.
Discreet
At times you might not want a third party to know that you are asking for help. In case aggressive behaviours are the issue for a worker, then the safety devices he or she uses needs to be discreet so it can be activated without a potential aggressor being aware.
Certain alarms are small enough to fit in a user’s pocket or on a key chain. One of the interesting aspects of this device is that it can be passed off as a regular car key fob due to its similar look.
Direct communication
Once the alarm has been activated, having another person on the other end of the line listening and providing advice can really make a difference. Even when a user is unable to communicate due to the circumstances, knowing that someone is listening brings real peace of mind. This is the key advantage such devices have in comparison to screech alarms that aren’t backed up by a monitoring centre offering such personal level of support.
Tracking users
It is important to keep track of remote workers so that they can be found in case something goes wrong. GPS-enabled devices allow tracking of users, using an online portal system. This saves vital minutes for the emergency services as details about the location can be passed on rapidly.
Automatic mandown alarm
Sometimes workers may not be able to raise the alarm themselves in case they suffer an accident. In this case devices that have an automated alarm messaging function or an automatic ‘mandown’ feature would be highly recommended. These devices detect impact followed by inactivity. Thus, when a user falls and is knocked unconscious these devices will activate themselves so help can be sent.
Selecting the right safety device in order to protect lone workers
When choosing a lone worker app or device, accreditations are a great indicator of quality, trustworthiness and reliability. Look out for devices that are fully certified and that meet the requirements of the current standards for the lone worker industry.
