Limitations and Risks Associated With Lone Worker Panic Buttons

A personal panic button is a small, discreet device that employees can use to signal for help. It can also be integrated into a lone worker safety app or other connected devices for increased functionality and a faster response time.

While no national Occupational Health and Safety Standard requires companies to provide their lone workers with access to a panic button, it’s recommended.

Safety Concerns

Lone worker panic buttons can help prevent incidents of workplace violence and other safety concerns that can leave employees unable to return to their homes at the end of the workday. However, these devices cannot protect against all potential risks that may arise during an employee’s shift.

Unlike fixed panic buttons that can only be activated in one particular location, mobile lone worker alarms have built-in motion sensors and other features that can help prevent or detect an emergency. For example, if an employee falls or is unconscious while working alone, SafetyLine can automatically send an emergency alert to an emergency response centre with the location of the employee as well as other details provided in previous communication like their emotional state and physical health.

These features are especially important for office workers who may face hazards such as unstable or unsecure desks or wires that could cause an electrical fire or other injuries. Similarly, workers who are on foot may be vulnerable to attacks or other incidents that can occur at any time while they are outdoors. For these reasons, it is essential that employers provide their lone workers with devices that can monitor their location and the surrounding environment at all times.

Additionally, a good lone worker alarm should be able to help reassure employees that they can get help quickly. A panic button can be a powerful deterrent against any potential attackers because it can trigger an audible alarm and immediately signal law enforcement to the location of the device. Additionally, many lone worker safety devices feature an internal geolocation technology that can track the location of an employee even when GPS is unavailable.

However, despite the importance of safety solutions that include wearable technology and a panic button, it is vital that employers also implement a comprehensive plan to ensure lone workers are safe on their own. This might involve training, implementing a check-in system, or setting up a procedure for how to respond to different types of emergency situations. It is also important that all lone workers are familiar with the safety features of their device, and that they know how to use them.

Limitations

A panic button is only effective if someone at the other end can act upon it. Whether the worker is under attack, incapacitated or simply unable to communicate, they can’t dial 911 or any other emergency line unless they’re able to unlock their phone and type out an alert. safety alarm Lone workers are unlikely to be composed enough to do that in the heat of the moment, even if they’re frightened or unconscious. That’s why it’s important that companies implementing a lone worker panic button also include a 24/7 monitoring service that can contact the authorities if necessary.

Many lone worker apps include a built-in panic button that can send pre-customized text messages and show the worker’s location at set intervals. The user can then press the button to activate a duress alert, which notifies their designated contacts and triggers any other actions they’ve configured in advance.

These apps can work well for a range of industries and workplaces. However, they’re limited in that they need the user to remember to charge and bring a separate device with them. Moreover, they can be unusable in areas without phone signal or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Lone workers may find it difficult to use an app during home visits, especially if they’re working closely with clients or customers. Alternatively, they may want to keep their smartphone hidden or in their pocket so as not to disturb the visit or draw attention to themselves. In those cases, a discreet wearable panic button could prove more helpful.

The hands-free safety solution that AlertMedia offers combines a lone worker panic button with a timed monitoring session. When the button is pressed or the session expires, our 24-hour monitoring center receives a signal and can then dispatch law enforcement to the employee’s exact location or follow the steps outlined in their emergency action plan. Our system also includes ManDown detection, which enables the device to detect a period of no movement (such as after an accident or fall) and automatically notify a designated contact or the alarm receiving centre.

personal gps tracking Legal Issues

In many cases, providing lone workers with access to a panic button is a legal requirement. It is widely accepted that lone workers are at a higher risk of attack or injury due to their secluded working environment. Employers who fail to implement appropriate systems for their lone worker staff could face serious legal proceedings and costs if a problem was to occur.

Regardless of whether a business is legally required to have a lone worker panic button in place, it is an excellent way to show employees that the company considers their safety as a top priority. This will also help to create a safe work culture, which can go a long way in deterring any potential assaults or incidents.

There are many different types of lone worker panic buttons on the market, each with their own unique features. For example, some devices include a tilt sensor which will alert the device's emergency responder if it senses that a lone worker has fallen or is unconscious. Others are a simple panic alarm which will trigger an alert when it is pressed, while some have the option to send a pre-alarm signal before the emergency response team is activated.





Panic buttons are often combined with other lone worker safety systems to provide comprehensive protection for mobile workers in potentially dangerous or remote areas. For example, a lone worker system like SHEQSY by SafetyCulture provides both panic alarms and preventative features such as real-time location monitoring, automated check-ins, hazard reporting, safety checklists and audits, GPS tracking and more.

When choosing a lone worker panic button, it is important to find one that is easy for employees to use in high stress or distracting situations. For instance, SafetyLine has a simple and accessible on-screen panic button that operates for those who are using a desktop computer or mobile phone. It takes no time at all to press and hold the button, which ensures that employees can contact their lone worker support centre quickly in the event of an emergency. In addition, the software-based system is fully mobile compatible, so that if an employee has to leave their office for any reason, they can always be sure that help is just a click away.

Conclusions

Lone Worker Panic Buttons are an effective way to mitigate risks and protect lone workers. However, they should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive lone worker safety plan to provide maximum protection. A good safety plan should include training, risk assessments and emergency procedures. The safety plans should be communicated to all employees and updated regularly. It should also make clear that employers have a duty of care to their lone workers and a panic button can help fulfil this duty.

Choosing the right panic button solution is vital for a lone worker’s safety and it’s essential to find a device or app that is lightweight, easy to use and has advanced functionality. Software-based solutions offer a more versatile approach as they can be easily upgraded to include features such as discreet duress alarms or man-down alerts. A lone worker device that can be connected to a mobile phone is ideal, offering the option of triggering a panic alert by pressing a button on the device or discreetly by pushing a power button on the phone 4 times.

Many lone worker devices and apps also feature GPS tracking capabilities, which can be useful for monitoring lone workers and responding to any lone worker alarms that are raised through the check-in system. This allows responders to quickly locate the user and speak to them directly to determine the nature of the alert and to follow your company’s escalation procedure.

For some lone workers, access to a personal panic button is even a legal requirement. For example, housekeepers in hotels who work alone are often at a high risk of assault and harassment by guests and some cities have passed laws to protect hotel staff with access to lone working panic buttons.

lone worker devices Providing your lone workers with access to a wearable panic button can give them peace of mind and shows that you are committed to their safety. Having a detailed and comprehensive lone worker safety plan should also go a long way to fulfilling your duty of care as an employer. However, it is important to remember that a panic button or other safety device is only effective if it is used regularly. In order to encourage this, a lone worker safety policy should be incorporated into workplace culture and employees must be trained to use the technology as part of their daily routines.