Lone Worker Monitoring

Lone worker monitoring is an important part of a company’s duty of care. It ensures that lone workers have an easy way to check in and receive assistance from their employer if they are experiencing a safety issue.

Look for a solution with automatic failover connectivity that uses both cellular and satellite to ensure your people are protected, even in remote locations.

Automated Check-Ins

The safety of lone workers is a critical concern for employers. These employees are often working in remote locations away from colleagues and supervisors and in conditions where they may be unable to signal for help. A lone worker monitoring system is a crucial tool to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that if something does happen, someone is available to respond. There are different types of lone worker monitoring systems, including phone-based check-ins and automated lone worker monitoring software that uses cloud-based technology. Both of these solutions are more reliable than manual methods and can reduce the time it takes to receive an emergency response.

Many lone worker monitoring systems use an automated check-in process that is integrated with GPS tracking devices to confirm the safety of employees. These systems can also integrate with other tools, such as smartphones and satellite devices, for additional functionality. For example, smartphone apps for lone worker monitoring can provide one-touch emergency responses and allow for GPS tracking. Satellite devices work well for lone workers who are in remote or isolated locations and can have a dedicated panic button that sends an emergency alert to the employer.

Regardless of the type of lone worker monitoring system used, it’s important for employers to establish a clear procedure for conducting checks. This includes the frequency of the checks, how they are conducted and the process for responding to a missed check-in. It’s also helpful to include any additional escalation processes that can be triggered by an employee when they signal they need help or fail to check in. This could include a conference call between the employee and their emergency points of contact, sending a colleague to their location to check on them or calling emergency services.

Using a low-code workflow automation platform like DATAMYTE, such as the Digital Clipboard, can make it easy for businesses to create a customizable lone worker check-in process that fits their specific needs. Employers can use the platform’s checklist and smart form builder to easily define the requirements of their lone worker monitoring system, such as the frequency of check-ins and how they are conducted. This can help to ensure that a lone worker monitoring process is effective without degrading employee and supervisor productivity.





Real-Time Alerts

Having the ability to track your employees' locations in real time allows for more proactive monitoring. When selecting a lone worker monitoring device, ensure it has the ability to send instant alerts based on specific scenarios such as if a worker fails to check in within a designated time frame, or when their device senses they are no longer moving (using the same sensors used for fall detection).

Real-time tracking also gives supervisors the ability to review a worker’s location and movement patterns at any time. This can be a huge advantage over more manual methods of checking in such as CCTV surveillance or manual spot checks carried out by supervisors.

A lone worker device can also be programmed to trigger emergency alerts if it detects a non-actionable log message, such as a message that indicates the worker has not logged in for too long or if the device battery is running low. This feature prevents lone workers from being sent too many unnecessary alerts.

In addition to real-time location tracking, a lone worker safety solution should also offer the ability for workers to request help using their device at any point. When a worker presses their monitor’s panic button, the device should immediately notify a supervisor and initiate a full escalation plan. In addition to the standard panic button, an employee can set their monitor to automatically request assistance if it has not been moved for an extended period of time (using the same motion sensor used for the no movement alert) or when it enters a defined geographic area (via geofencing).

When an emergency alarm is triggered, an immediate response will be initiated with law enforcement, first responders or security officers depending on your specific company policies and procedures. These escalation plans are easily programmed into the system and actioned by the monitoring centre when an exception occurs.

Having the right lone worker monitoring solution in place can save lives, provide peace of mind for both employers and employees, and improve the efficiency of your business operations. There are numerous monitoring solutions available, however the best option is often determined by your industry or region’s regulatory compliance standards and the risks your lone workers face. Man Down App Laipac offers a range of lone worker devices and monitoring services that will allow you to comply with these environmental, health and safety regulations while providing the necessary protection for your vulnerable workforce.

Man Down/Worker Down

Working alone can leave people vulnerable to accidents and illnesses that can lead to being incapacitated. Lone workers are not always able to reach team members quickly to request help or alert them of their condition, especially if they’re unconscious. Man down alarms in a lone worker monitor can help to ensure that those who need assistance are not left waiting for it.

A Man Down feature in a lone worker device can be set to alert monitoring staff when there has been no movement for a period of three minutes up to an hour. This feature can be triggered manually by the lone worker or automatically if no manual checks are made after the timer has been set.

Depending on the type of device, it can use an accelerometer to detect movements or lack of movement and send an alert to the lone worker monitor. Alternatively, it can be triggered by using a sensor to detect a fall or sudden impact. In either case, the alarm will alert a monitor to check-in with the lone worker and then follow any escalation procedures for the specific situation.

Lone workers can also trigger a Man Down alarm by pressing the panic button. The device will then emit a loud and persistent beep to try to attract the attention of the user so they can manually cancel the alarm. Alternatively, they can also choose to press the button on the lone worker app to confirm that they are ok and to stop the alarm from being sent to their monitor.

While many workplaces have a safety culture that promotes good practices, not everyone understands the risks of working in high-risk environments or industries. This can mean that lone workers are overlooked when it comes to protecting them and providing the best possible protection. Fortunately, a Man Down alarm can be a valuable tool to help reduce the number of incidents that could be fatal for lone workers. Whether your workforce is in Construction, Manufacturing or Transportation and Storage, a Man Down alarm can be an effective way to keep your people safe when they need it most.

Red Alert

If a lone worker feels threatened or they can’t get to the application in time to send an alert, they can use a Red Alert button on their device. This triggers a two-way audio call with ARC’s 24/7 monitoring station, bypassing 911 emergency services. The ARC operative will stay on the call with the lone worker, acting as a virtual buddy, helping them through the escalation process or, if they feel it necessary, summoning the police directly.

It is rare that a single set of safety features can cover all your employees’ individual needs, especially when it comes to lone workers. The key is to understand your lone worker’s risk profile, such as working in high-crime areas or if their job involves handling valuable merchandise or overnight shifts. Also consider what their duties are at risk of, such as interacting with aggressive customers or dealing with dangerous chemicals. Finally, don’t forget to take into account any special requirements or circumstances that could impact a worker’s ability to respond such as a disability, ageing workforce, temporary staff or contractors.

An example of a lone worker using the Red Alert function on their device: A Service Engineer was working at a client’s property when they were confronted by a group of youths who refused to move his vehicle. The lone worker activated their device and Red Alert and provided a description of the incident as well as the location on GPS. The ARC operative then escalated the matter to the Police who arrived, escalating to a Level 1 response.

Vismo’s lone worker solutions are all RapidSOS Ready, providing direct access to local emergency responders, bypassing 911 and giving life-saving information in seconds to those on the ground who need it most. To find out more about how our devices and app can help you keep your lone workers safe, please get in touch. If you are already a Vismo customer, you can easily enable this functionality for your lone workers by contacting our Customer Support team on 0161 442 8900. You can also request a demo with one of our lone worker experts to see how the system works and how it would work for your lone workers.