Employers looking to kit out their lone workers with a safety device are spoilt for choice.
This might sound like a nice problem to have, but it can also be a bit of a headache choosing the tech that matches the risk profile and the industry-specific dangers a company’s lone workers are likely to encounter.
Everything from a smartphone and simple two-way radio to a dedicated ruggedised handset can nowadays be used as a lone worker alarm.
Deciding which device is most appropriate can be tricky, but by considering a few important criteria the options can be narrowed down.
Ease of Use
You might have invested in the most sophisticated piece of lone-worker tech on the market, but if workers find it difficult to use or are reluctant to adopt it, it’s next to useless.
Indeed, it’s sometimes the case that a simple bit of kit does the job just as well as a more expensive device.
For example, a smartphone app or WIFI-connected handset might seem an attractive option, but sometimes a better option is a simple digital two-way radio.
Not only are radios easy to use but they also tend to have excellent battery life given that they don’t have the bells and whistles of some of the fancier lone worker tech.
WIFI Devices
If the lone worker works on a site with a strong WIFI signal, often the most cost-effective way of staying safe is by using a WIFI-connected lone worker device – these typically come in the shape of a smartphone app or voice-over IP wireless handset.
Lone worker apps can often be easily installed on a worker’s regular smartphone and typically come fitted with automatic roaming.
This means that they can intelligently switch between WIFI routers and automatically register the lone worker device to a new access point as the worker roams a work site.
Roam Free
A WIFI-connected device is an ideal solution when the lone worker’s work site is covered by a robust communications network.
Sadly, this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes lone workers are expected to switch sites and move between different geographies.
In cases where a lone worker needs to roam, a digitally enhanced cordless device can be a lifesaver.
These typically use IP DECT technology to keep lone workers connected to colleagues via a dedicated site-wide voice network.
Key Fob
Sometimes small is beautiful. A simple belt-worn fob-like device is discreet and highly effective at keeping lots of lone workers safe.
They offer less functionality than some of the other devices mentioned but are always ready to step in when disaster strikes.
They typically come fitted with an alarm system that can be activated by tugging a ripcord attached to the device.
These devices use the 2G and 3G mobile phone networks and are often fitted with true-man-down detection, an extra layer of protection for lone workers that sounds the device’s alarm if it suspects the wearer is incapacitated.
Conclusion
Selecting the right lone-worker solution is not always an easy task, but it’s an important one.
Sadly, the risks lone workers face are growing.
As such, it’s never been more important that an employer gets it right when selecting the tech that will allow them to manage and mitigate those risks.