Lone Worker Alarm Systems

Lone worker alarm systems -from standalone devices and apps to bespoke devices that detect gas wirelessly, offer two-way voice communication or GPS tracking-help staff working alone feel safe. They can raise an alert by pressing a button or automatically if the device detects a fall or lack of movement.

A professional lone worker system should provide 24/7 monitoring and alerts via SMS or email, include live GPS tracking and share information such as battery life and signal/data with internal guardians or external ARC responders.

Detection

For lone workers, at risk employees and those with special medical conditions, it is essential to have the ability to alert others to a dangerous situation quickly. Lone worker alarms, available via standalone devices or apps on smartphones make it easy for those working alone to check in, say they are safe and request help.

Many lone worker solutions have GPS tracking to pinpoint the device’s location, as well as man down detection to trigger an alarm when a user fails to move for a predefined period of time or their device detects a lack of verticality (falling). Alarms can also be triggered by a lack of motion and a panic button.

A lone worker app, for example, allows users to tap an icon on their smartphone screen to activate a check-in message or request assistance. They can also set a panic button that, when pressed, automatically sends an alert to a designated contact or the alarm receiving centre.

Some lone worker alarms are visible to the user, such as those designed for home healthcare nurses or security guards, to deter aggressors by showing that they are being monitored. Others are discreet and look like an ID badge, or can be worn under clothing. Some lone worker devices can also be configured to be self-monitored for organisations that want to take control of the monitoring themselves and save on subscription costs.

gps smart tracker safety devices for lone workers Alerting

Lone worker alarm systems can be programmed to automatically send a Red Alert when the device detects a fall or lack of movement (depending on the model). It will then notify a pre-determined set of contacts and/or the Alarm Receiving Centre based on your response plan.





Users can also manually raise an emergency SOS by pressing a panic button or if the device detects an incapacitated user through tilt, non-movement and/or acceleration sensors. A user can also record a voice note to help describe their situation if they’re unable to speak.

This is especially helpful as it gives the ARC important contextual information that could save them time and effort. Additionally, many lone worker devices have built-in GPS to pinpoint the exact location of the employee and can dispatch law enforcement directly to their location bypassing 999 call centres if required.

Some lone worker alarm systems also incorporate an RFID tag scanning function that allows users to alert managers to particular areas they have patrolled – a handy tool for proving they’ve been in certain locations. This will not only help improve efficiency, but it will also give managers peace of mind that lone workers haven’t strayed from their assigned route. Lastly, some lone worker alarm solutions offer users the ability to check in and have their employer automatically alert their contact when they’ve checked in so they can confirm that they are safe.

Monitoring

Every employer has a duty of care to ensure that their staff are safe, particularly when working away from their offices and in potentially hazardous environments. Lone worker monitoring systems are a great way to do this as they offer peace of mind to your employees and help you fulfil your duty of care.

Lone worker alarm devices have a range of features that protect a person in a variety of scenarios. For example, a duress PIN can be used to trigger an alarm if an employee feels their safety is threatened by another person. Some devices also feature a no-movement alert which can request help when the device is not moved for a certain amount of time, suggesting the employee has suffered an injury or a fall and is unconscious.

Different risk profiles require slightly different types of lone worker protection solutions. For example, a remote worker in a rural area may be more at risk of attack from members of the public than a shop worker inside a shopping centre. Therefore, the alarm system should be monitored differently and escalated to a different contact depending on the specific situation.

Depending on the type of monitoring required, a lone worker alarm system can be monitored in-house by a management team or remotely by a 24/7 professional security monitoring center. Regardless of how the alarm is monitored, it is crucial that there are trained professionals to respond immediately to an emergency situation.

Reporting

Lone worker alarm systems are designed to reduce the time between an incident occurring and someone knowing about it. When an incident occurs, the alarm system will send a signal to the monitoring centre who will then take appropriate action in accordance with your organisation’s lone working policy and procedures.

This may include dispatching the police, contacting first aid services, or simply following the steps outlined in your lone working policy to ensure that the person is safe. Some devices also offer a ‘man down’ or ‘fall detection’ feature that will trigger the alarm when it detects that a user is unable to respond to an alert.

In many cases, workers may be too distressed or injured to be able to call the police themselves. This is especially true if they have been attacked or are being pressured to stay silent. For this reason, a lone worker device with a panic button or a mobile app with an audible alarm is a powerful deterrent as it is clear that the worker has triggered an alert and that their location is being monitored.

A good lone worker alarm system will also provide valuable information and reports that will help organisations prevent incidents from happening in the future. Whether they are based on GPS tracking, real-time location monitoring, man down alarms, fall detection, two-way communication, hazard reporting or safety checklists/audits, these reports can be useful for a wide range of organisations and professions.