Lone and remote working has become more common since Covid-19 changed how we spend our working day. Jobs that once saw offices full of people now have people working from home or with limited office hours. This has resulted in many more workers in more vulnerable positions, as the added reassurance of colleagues or security teams is somewhat removed.
For workers in many other industries, lone or remote work has long been how their job is completed. Engineers, health workers, delivery drivers, and more all spend their time away from colleagues, occasionally putting themselves in danger or at risk. To help support this, many employers now look to add a lone working device to their employees’ equipment.
Created with remote or lone workers in mind, these devices enable emergency support to be deployed quickly and provide in-the-moment communication should it be required. So, in this blog, we look at how these safety devices aid remote and lone workers.
What is a lone working device?
A lone working device is a piece of safety equipment given to those who work alone or in remote teams. Commonly used by workers in high-risk environments, they are also being adopted by businesses with team members working from home.
The devices come in a variety of forms, such as wearable tech, smartphone apps, or portable devices. Some even take the form of name badges or other discreet parts of worker uniforms, allowing the employee to raise an alarm without it being seen or heard by those putting them at risk.
With the alarm activated, an alert reaches an alarm receiving centre or dedicated support network, which can then help manage the situation and action the correct response for a speedy resolution. This could be the deployment of emergency services or verbal support and guidance.
How lone working devices improve safety
Once a team member has a lone worker device in their armoury, they can have full peace of mind that their safety is being monitored. With round-the-clock coverage, workers in all industries can remain confident that, should a situation arise, support is just the press of a button away.
Personal alarms
Lone worker devices come equipped with personal alarms or SOS buttons. These allow the user to raise an alarm when their safety is compromised, or they feel at risk of harm. With real-time tracking, it becomes easy for those receiving the alert to locate the distress signal and deploy the correct level of support. Connected to an alarm receiving centre or emergency services, the device enables two-way communication if required, so a full explanation of the safety concerns can be given and appropriate actions carried out to assist the lone worker.
GPS tracking
As mentioned above, lone worker safety devices come with GPS tracking, allowing for real-time location tracking. This is particularly useful for those working in high-risk environments. Workers in construction, utilities, retail, and hospitality are often put in situations where safety can be compromised. With live tracking, should an alarm be raised, appropriate support can be actioned exactly where it is needed.
Fall detection
These lone worker devices also come with in-built fall detection. Sometimes the victim of an incident isn’t able to raise the alarm themselves. Perhaps they have had a fall from height or been the victim of assault. The device will be able to detect a lack of movement or a fall, indicating something is not right. This will then activate the alarm for a potential “man-down” situation and, thanks to the GPS, have emergency services sent out right away.
Wearable devices
Rather than an obtrusive bit of additional hardware, lone worker devices can be worn without impeding the worker. In some cases, they can be integrated into existing workwear. For example, some brands create lone worker alarms that act as the employee’s name badge as well as a safety device. The same tech can also be deployed via a smartphone app, and for those in construction, it is possible to wear smart helmets that allow an alarm to be raised if needed.
With communication systems built in too, signal is never a concern. Workers in remote areas or locations where there is limited, or no, mobile signal have no fear of not getting connected to their designated alarm receiving centre or support network.
Biometrics
Some lone worker devices on the market monitor various health signs. Heart rate, temperature, movements, and more can all be checked. These can be essential for knowing if an employee has suddenly faced a medical emergency. With data being sent instantly, the receiving centre or emergency services can address the situation and dispatch the correct support.
Two-way communication
In some instances, communication will be required. The alarm centre will want to know what has happened, what the risks might be, and what assistance may be required. Lone worker devices allow those raising the alarm to speak to the call handler and relay important information that can help determine the correct response.
Environmental sensors
Some lone worker safety devices can trace various environmental issues, enabling workers to avoid exposure to areas that could be dangerous. With sensors to detect gas leaks, extreme temperatures, or low oxygen levels, workers can remove themselves from harm and return when it is safe.
Fast response
Once activated, the lone worker device sends an alert to an alarm receiving centre. With calls typically answered quickly, and skilled call handlers on the line, rapid care can be dispatched enabling the fast and correct resolution to an incident.
What should you look for in a lone worker safety device?
If you are looking for lone worker safety devices to be used by your team, you should weigh up the host of options available before rushing into a decision.
The ever-increasing availability of such devices means that some are more fine-tuned for specific environments than others. This could mean you choose a product that could be beneficial for every working environment other than the one you specialise in.
- Battery life: For remote workers who spend considerable time out of the office or away from other team members, they must have a lone working device with ample battery life. With charging opportunities limited when working remotely, your team will need to remain connected for hours on end.
- Durability: Many environments that lone workers find themselves in are often harsh. Think about construction workers, utility engineers, and more. Each can be exposed to the elements for prolonged periods. Not only that, but the nature of the job also means that the device may need to withstand impacts, moisture, and heat frequently. Search for a device that offers waterproofing and is shockproof as a minimum.
- Easy to use: The last thing you want is for your staff to be unsure of how to use the equipment. Simple interfaces and easy processes will not only save time but could also save lives.
- Monitoring: Most lone worker devices provide live monitoring. Ensure this comes as standard. Not only will it help resolve issues as they happen, but it might also help you understand causes and review safety protocols for the future.
Implementing lone worker devices into your workplace
Once you have selected your lone worker device, you should ensure it becomes part of your best practices for health and safety. This means implementing training plans for new and existing users to be educated on how the devices work, whether there are any new features, and what the emergency protocols are.
In addition, frequent checks should be incorporated into your weekly health and safety monitoring. Inspect the devices for damage, general wear and tear, as well as functionality. Have these checks signed off on a checklist so you can spot gaps in testing and also know when issues may have been discovered.
Finally, integrate the use of your devices into lone working policies or any general work health and safety policies.
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