Personal Safety Devices For Lone Workers

Many lone workers face unique threats on the job, from home health care nurses who operate in unfamiliar neighborhoods to electricians who work with dangerous voltage. These devices can help to keep them safe by providing an avenue to alert colleagues or the authorities if they need assistance.

Audible alarms, wearable panic buttons, two-way communication and GPS trackers are commonly included in these solutions, alongside fall detection technology. Dedicated handheld satellite devices are also available for lone workers in remote locations outside of cellular coverage areas.

Audible Alarms

Lone workers can use personal alarms that have audible features to signal they need help. These devices are designed to be discreet and look like a watch or pendant. When pressed they send an emergency message to a monitoring centre that includes any medical and incidental information the worker has provided + current or last known GPS location, and then two way call.

Some of these devices can also emit a loud noise to scare off potential attackers and help a person escape from a dangerous situation. They are often easy to use and do not require a user to unlock their phone or press multiple buttons in a panic. Audible alarms can be triggered by a simple tap of the device screen or by the worker verbally saying “Ok Alone” or “I need help”.

Some personal safety devices, such as those from Oysta, include a panic button that works independently from cellular service. They are small and compact, allowing users to quickly and discreetly alert the Farsight control room of their status. Other devices, such as a BS8484 compliant lone worker tracker or GPS location device, have the added benefit of regular ‘check ins’, two-way communication and work in areas without cellular coverage. These are often suitable for mobile workers, adventurers and those who travel the world for their job.

Whistles

Whether you’re looking for a whistle that is easy to carry around and provides a loud, piercing sound or an alarm that will send out multiple signals and alert others to your presence, there are plenty of options. Promotional whistles are ideal for lone workers because they help them stay safe while working by providing them with a way to call for help in dangerous situations.

Personal safety alarms and whistles have been used for a long time as an effective tool to prevent crime and accidents from occurring. They can help deter criminals because the piercing noise from a whistle will draw their attention and let them know that you are trying to get their attention and they may need to reconsider their actions.

A whistle will continue to sound even if the user’s hands are full which gives them more time to escape from danger and also allows their hands to be free for defense. The sound produced by a whistle will cut through background noise and is easily identifiable compared to the ding-ding-ding of an electronic alarm that can sometimes be activated accidentally and needs a battery that can run out.

It’s important to budget according to risk and the lone worker’s specific needs when purchasing personal safety devices. However, you should always have a backup for any device that requires the use of your body. For example, a whistle is much cheaper and less invasive than an emergency locator beacon.

GPS Trackers

Lone worker safety devices that incorporate GPS tracking can provide additional security for employees who work alone in remote areas. These devices, which can also include a panic button, allow workers to send an emergency signal, which notifies their employer of their location. Some of these devices can connect to satellite networks and can be used in areas where no cellphone signals exist, making them ideal for remote or rural locations. Many of these devices can be downloaded as an app onto existing mobile phones, making them easy to use and saving employers from having to purchase a separate device for their staff members.

Regardless of whether they are working in a dangerous environment or simply need help, some lone workers may be at risk for accidental injuries such as slips and falls. For these workers, a lone worker safety device with a built-in fall detection feature can be the difference between a minor injury and a life-threatening one.

Whether your employees are field service technicians, construction workers, or retail workers, they are at risk of accidents, theft, and violence while working on their own. Personal safety devices are an affordable, quick-to-implement solution for these employees, especially when paired with a low-code platform like DATAMYTE that makes it easy to create and implement templates for employee safety monitoring.

Satellite Devices

For lone workers who work in remote locations that are out of cellphone coverage, satellite devices provide an effective solution. These handheld communication devices connect to satellite networks and allow lone workers to contact supervisors or colleagues, send SOS alerts or GPS location, and receive emergency response assistance from a 24/7 monitoring center. They are often designed to be durable and easy to use, with a simple pin or button activation, and some can even be integrated with a worker’s smartphone for additional functionality.

Personal alarm panic buttons are a common device for lone workers as they are easy to activate with minimal hands-on effort. They’re often used by healthcare, hospitality and other lone worker employees who may be at risk for aggressive behavior from guests or patients. The presence of these devices helps to reduce threatening behaviors by reassuring employees that help is just moments away.

For a more convenient and cost-effective option, consider using an integrated safety monitoring app for lone workers. SHEQSY can turn any iPhone or Android into a reliable lone worker monitor by leveraging GPS technology to provide a full range of safety features, including two-way messaging and SOS alerts. lone worker devices It can also be paired with handheld GPS or satellite communicators to offer even more comprehensive protection for your team. Book a demo of SHEQSY today to see how it can empower you to create and implement safety monitoring templates in real time.