Lone Worker Monitoring System
The purpose of a lone worker monitoring system is to protect employees who work alone, whether that’s at home or on the job. These systems monitor a lone worker’s well-being through the use of an app, wearables, and connected devices that communicate with each other and a 24/7 response centre.
Many lone worker monitoring solutions require workers to check in periodically or as they progress through their day to confirm that they are safe and alert. This can be done using a time-based check in feature that uses automated countdowns to set intervals and send a request to the worker to confirm that they are all right and provide their current location. The other option is to use a dedicated button that works as a panic alert, sending a real-time GPS location and their emergency contact information to the person monitoring them.
A complete lone worker monitoring system needs to include a lone worker app that is easy for a worker to use and that can communicate with the response team and the device they are using. The app should also have clear buttons that allow a worker to check in, ask for help or initiate a duress alert. The app should also have a cloud based dashboard that allows the person monitoring a worker to view maps of real time locations and the lone worker’s escalation procedure (their personal safety plan outlining who to call and when in case of an emergency).
Lone workers are at a higher risk of injury than other employees, so it is important for businesses to be aware of the risks that face these employees and the ways in which they can be mitigated with technology. In order to do this, a thorough risk assessment should be completed for each workplace, with consideration given to remote working, unsupervised tasks and onsite visits.
The good news is that most modern lone worker monitoring systems are easy to deploy, using an employee’s own smartphone and an online dashboard for supervisors to access their account. Some solutions even work through a worker’s mobile data or Wi-Fi connection rather than relying on cell phones, which can sometimes lose service.
A reputable lone worker monitoring solution should be in compliance with data protection laws, and will offer a secure and encrypted environment for the transmission of sensitive information. It should also be able to connect with other devices, such as gas detection systems, for added protection. In addition, some lone worker monitoring systems will also use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to track an employee’s location, providing an extra layer of security in remote or hard to reach places. The Ok Alone app is one example of this and can be used in conjunction with the Garmin inReach satellite communicator device for lone workers who need extra peace of mind when they’re outside of cell phone coverage. It also includes optional add on communication features like two-way messaging and a manual patented emergency SOS latch to trigger an audible and visible alarm.
