The Benefits of a Lone Worker Monitor

Unlike old systems that rely on manual check ins or cell phones that have fallible service, a modern lone worker monitor uses multiple connectivity options designed to address the safety challenges of upstream employees. These solutions use a gateway to relay live data back to safety personnel.

Many of these devices are integrated with an emergency response app that automatically alerts a lone worker’s designated responder if no contact has been made within the specified time.

Location Based Check Ins

Lone workers who work alone need to check in with a monitoring team before starting their shift, periodically throughout their shift and at the end of their shift to confirm that they are safe. This helps to prevent lone workers from becoming lost or disoriented and also ensures that if they fail to check in then an alert will be sent to the monitoring team.

While some lone worker safety systems require that employees dial in manually, most modern devices have built-in safety features to monitor an employee’s status and location automatically. These lone worker apps are simple, easy to use and can be set up to fit into a workers’ routine without being a productivity drain.

Often used by janitors and overnight cleaning staff, these types of apps use GPS tracking to determine the lone worker’s position and can trigger an alert if they are not moving or are not contactable. An escalation procedure is then followed by the live monitoring team.

Time Based Check Ins

Traditionally, lone worker safety monitoring required lone workers to call in or reach out at predetermined intervals to confirm they’re safe. This can be time consuming and interrupt productive tasks, but most importantly, it puts employees at unnecessary risk.

Many lone worker apps use GPS tracking and alert notifications to manage check in times for employees, removing the need to play phone tag or risking their safety by missing a check in. Some even have a one-touch emergency response button that connects to the monitoring centre or emergency contacts.

We also offer the option for organizations to use our 24/7 live monitoring service, which works alongside your lone worker app and gives you the flexibility to set unique escalation and check in procedures. This can help to reduce costs, remove the burden of manual checking in and provide you with peace of mind that your lone workers are protected with a quality solution that’s BS8484* accredited.

Duress Alerts

Duress alarms provide a cost-effective and discreet way to safeguard employees against dangerous situations, allowing them to call for help without alerting their attacker. These personal duress alarms may be triggered manually, automatically (common in man down or fall detection alerts), or via a panic button that can be activated by a lone worker monitor or by pressing a key on the device.

Smartphone-enabled duress alarms typically function within an app and offer a variety of useful safety, management, compliance, and reporting features. SHEQSY, for example, enables a lone worker to send an alert through a mobile app that is easily customizable to fit the organization’s lone worker safety policies and procedures.

Lone workers can also choose to have their lone worker devices fully monitored by SHEQSY’s 24/7 A1-graded security monitoring center for even more peace of mind. The security team will respond to any lone worker alerts according to the response procedures set by the organization.

Non-Movement Alerts

If a worker fails to acknowledge a check in prompt within a defined period, or does not move at all, an alert will be sent to a monitor. The alert will also notify the worker’s emergency contacts that something may be wrong.

This feature is a vital safety feature for workers who can’t move or are at risk of falling or being injured. It works similarly to a fall detection pendant and helps mitigate the risk of an unnoticed or ignored accident.

A good lone worker app works in the background, so it doesn’t drain your worker’s battery and takes up minimal storage space. It should also be easy to navigate so employees can use it without compromising their privacy or their job function.

Panic Button

Whether employees are dealing with aggressive or threatening behavior from visitors or people loitering in the vicinity, having the reassurance that help is only a button press away can be a huge comfort. This is particularly important for healthcare & social care workers, those working in remote or dangerous environments and truck/delivery drivers.

Lone worker devices with panic buttons function by providing a way for staff to notify colleagues or security personnel in an emergency. lone worker safety devices This will trigger a device monitoring service to follow a response plan and send assistance. This will include GPS location to ensure the quickest possible response.

Many lone worker monitors will also offer the option for a discreet button to be pressed on the app itself or even a mobile phone’s power button four times (depending on the device). This can be triggered by employees who may not want to activate the app in an emergency.