Technology Used in Lone Worker Panic Buttons

Lone worker safety solutions need to be easy for employees to trigger. They shouldn’t have to fumble around to unlock their phone, open an app and select the right option for help.

Whether they’re realtors showing homes or utility workers in dangerous environments, your lone workers need to be able to get help quickly. This is why a lone worker device with features like discreet panic and duress alert is an excellent choice.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an open, short-range wireless technology that uses a radio frequency (RF) protocol that operates on the 2.4GHz ISM band. It is similar to other RF protocols such as WiFi and ZigBee but is distinct in that it requires no centralized infrastructure and has a standardized set of rules and specifications. It communicates using radio waves with a range of up to 100 meters.

Hotel housekeeping staff are at risk for harassment from guests and a simple panic button can help them discreetly signal for assistance without alerting the aggressor. NZ Lone Worker Alarms The React Mobile cellular LTE panic button, for example, uses Nordic’s nRF9160 multi-mode LTE-M/NB-IoT System-on-Chip with an eSIM to allow employees to quickly request help from their smartphone when they need it most.

A lone worker alarm can also be built into an employee’s mobile device as part of an integrated app or standalone device. Often this is a simple button that can trigger a variety of features in the app such as sending an SOS message, connecting with emergency services or reporting that they are safe.

Wi-Fi

Lone worker panic buttons (also known as duress panic button, hold up alarm, silent button, emergency push button, or personal alarm button) allow people to send wireless signals when they’re under threat of danger or experiencing a medical emergency. They can also be used to call for help in the event of an accident or if they’re being harassed at work.

Most lone worker panic devices are equipped with a monitoring service that alerts colleagues or security personnel when an alarm is triggered. Some devices also include GPS tracking which provides real-time location information for the staff member so they can be located quickly.

A one-button cellular mPERS device is typically easy for employees to use and can be activated hands-free with pre-programmed commands like ‘Working alone check in’ or ‘Working alone get help’. Alternatively, some devices offer a mobile app that’s simple to use and requires no additional hardware. This type of lone worker safety solution can be particularly useful for employees who may be uncomfortable wearing a visible panic alarm such as a pendant.

Cellular

Lone workers often face dangerous situations that they can’t avoid or predict. In these cases, it’s important to have a quick and hassle-free way for employees to call for help. A cellular-enabled panic button can provide this solution.

These devices have a simple button that employees can press in times of need to alert their team members they need assistance. The device will then send instant messages and GPS location data to the employee’s team member.

Cellular lone worker devices also eliminate the need for a separate gateway or network to operate. This boosts reliability to safety-critical standards. For example, hotel employee panic buttons from React Mobile use the Nordic nRF9160 multi-mode LTE-M/NB-IoT System-on-Chip and nRF52811 Bluetooth LE System-on-Chip to connect directly to a worker’s local cellular network.

In addition to providing a way for lone workers to request emergency help, some panic buttons enable them to check in with their employers on a regular basis throughout the day. This feature can be particularly useful for hospitality and healthcare workers who are at higher risk of assault or a workplace accident.

GPS

Using a standalone device that connects directly to the lone worker's mobile network, GPS tracking technology can be used to monitor a worker's location and provide alerts when triggered. This is often ideal for workers who carry out their duties away from the sight of others & can help ensure the safety and accountability of those working alone.

Alternatively, the Ok Alone app has a one-touch help/panic button on the home screen and support can be requested using voice commands by simply saying "Hey Siri, ask Work Alone for help" (iPhone) or "Ok Google, ask for help" (Android). This is quick and discreet to access and will send an emergency notification to your supervisor, a 24/7 call centre or both.

Cellular LTE-M panic buttons, like Active Track, enable real-time monitoring and include a distress button that can trigger two-way calls with location information included. These devices use a Nordic nRF9160 multi-mode cellular LTE-M/NB-IoT System-in-Package and nRF52811 Bluetooth LE system-on-chip to deliver superior battery life, fast connectivity and high performance.