Use of GPS Technology in Lone Worker Panic Buttons

Lone worker panic buttons offer a range of features to keep your staff safe. These include man-down/fall detection, an emergency alert, and clock in/out functionality.

They also provide a method of communication that surpasses GPS technology, even when employees are off site. Often, these devices are known by different names such as duress alarm, safety alarm and personal alarms.

GPS Technology

The global positioning system (GPS) is used across a range of industries and everyday life. It helps in navigation, transportation and even emergency response.

For instance, first responders rely on GPS to follow and track emergencies in the field. This reduces emergency response time as well as improving accountability of personnel. GPS is also used in construction vehicles, off-road equipment tracking and trucking as a way to optimize route performance, efficiency and safety.

Another use of GPS technology is in lone worker panic buttons that link to an emergency call centre. This allows a lone worker to raise an alarm discreetly when faced with danger or being targeted. It also enables them to communicate their location via SMS to the emergency call centre so that the lone worker can be assisted.

Many lone worker panic devices have built-in sensors that can detect movement and provide real-time updates on the employee’s position. The device will then send a message to pre-programmed contacts that alerts them to the situation. This is especially useful when the lone worker is outside of cellular network coverage. In addition, some lone worker panic devices can also be programmed to create safe zones. If the device leaves the safe zone, an alert is sent to designated individuals and even enables them to give directions to the location.

Panic Buttons

Lone worker panic buttons help remove one of the biggest dangers associated with working alone – the inability to get immediate assistance. Lone workers can use the button to alert co-workers, management or emergency responders that they are in a dangerous situation. This is especially important for lone workers in hospitality, healthcare or hotel industries where guests, patients or customers may act aggressively or threateningly towards them.

Some lone worker devices also include features like two-way communication and man-down/fall detection to provide additional peace of mind for employees in high risk situations. Unlike a mobile phone, these wearable panic devices can remain on the employee at all times, eliminating the need to find and use another cell device in an emergency. They can be worn on the employee’s wrist or around their neck for easy access in a stressful duress situation when seconds and minutes count.

A lone worker device can function over Bluetooth, WiFi or even satellite when out of range of the mobile network. Some devices are designed for lone workers in hospitality settings and can automatically update their location as they move between rooms, ensuring that colleagues or management always have up-to-date information on their staff’s whereabouts. This can be particularly useful in hotel settings where the location of the employee can change regularly (e.g. due to room turnover).

Safe Zones

Unlike traditional panic buttons, which are fixed and only work within range of an employee’s phone, a lone worker safety device can be activated even when the employee is away from their phone. This can be beneficial in situations where an employee may need to call for help without letting the aggressor know that they are in trouble.

duress buttons security For instance, the Ok Alone lone worker app’s home screen includes a large red button labelled ‘help alert’. When tapped, this sends an emergency alert directly to the monitoring team. Depending on your company’s security policies, you may want to direct these alerts to law enforcement or security personnel.

Additionally, many devices use a cellular network that allows the employee’s location to be logged and tracked even when the employee is offsite. Combined with GPS technology, this can be invaluable for employees who are travelling between sites or working in remote areas.

When choosing a lone worker panic alarm, look for one that provides a clear and easy-to-use interface. This is important because an employee who needs to raise the alarm in a stressful situation will not have time to unlock their phone, scroll through the app and choose the right option. This is especially true for lone workers who need to be discreet in their approach to calling for help.

Communication

Whether workers activate their duress device because of an actual threat or simply because they’re in a vulnerable position, they need to communicate with the person monitoring them. The best way to do this is through a mobile app that sends alerts to both the employee’s designated contacts and the monitoring center.

The mobile app, called SafetyLine from Storm, allows employees to use their existing phones for lone worker and alerts, eliminating the need for extra devices in the field. It also features a discreet panic button that can be pushed silently when workers are in danger or facing a threat, instantly notifying all emergency contacts and the monitoring team of their needs.





Another great feature of the SafetyLine app is the ability to use push to talk over a digital radio with an individual or groups of employees, even when they’re not connected to the internet. This is ideal for lone workers who may need to get in touch with coworkers or managers while working at different sites or even outside the office.

There are many different types of lone worker alarms on the market, so it’s important to choose one that fits your company’s needs. Basic lone worker panic buttons are available as pendants that can be worn or kept in a pocket, while more advanced products offer other features like gas detection and two-way communication. Some even come with GPS tracking capabilities to pinpoint a worker’s exact location.