Maintenance and Upkeep of Lone Worker Panic Buttons
Lone workers in many industries such as healthcare, social care and hotel staff can benefit from a Bluetooth panic button. NZ Lone Worker Alarms These devices can send an emergency alert at the touch of a button or when the device detects a fall.
These devices also include duress alarms, which are useful for lone workers who need to signal a dangerous situation without triggering the alarm. They can also use automated check-ins to fulfil their duty of care.
Check the Battery
Many lone worker devices feature an audible panic alarm that will send a signal to the monitoring company. This can help deter potential attackers by letting them know that their assistance is coming and that they are being contacted by emergency personnel. However, the sound of the device’s alert could also agitate an already aggravated attacker and make them more likely to act violently. Whether they’re a realtor showing an open house or a health nurse visiting patients at home, employees who work alone are at an increased risk for assault and intimidation. Even if they don’t have a panic button, having a safety policy that includes regular check-ins can keep them safe.
Lone worker devices enable people to call for help in situations where they feel threatened, witness inappropriate behavior or experience an accident or medical emergency. They are able to use the device’s GPS technology to notify their designated emergency contact or assigned employee, local law enforcement or security and emergency services of the situation and their location.
If you are considering giving your employees a personal panic button, the best way to maintain the function and integrity of these devices is to ensure that the battery is charged. Most lone worker monitoring companies will perform basic testing for you, but if they don’t, make sure you test your employees’ devices regularly. This will not only keep your workers safer, but will also show that you value their safety.
Check the Connections
A panic button provides a discreet way for lone workers to signal an emergency. Most devices allow lone workers to trigger an alarm that sends the employee’s location to management and/or security personnel without alerting their assailant, which is important in volatile situations or environments where they may be at risk of assault or harassment.
It’s not only a good idea for companies to have a panic button system in place but is often required by law for employees who perform their duties alone or in remote locations. Providing employees with access to these devices can also help improve staff morale and give them peace of mind in the event that they need it.
Generally, these devices are designed to be as easy to use as possible. This means that they’re small and portable enough to be carried around in case of an emergency and can easily be activated. They can be triggered by a push of a button and will automatically send an alert to a designated person(s) or monitoring center. Some even feature man-down/fall detection and automatic check ins.
In order to keep your lone workers safe, you need a panic button system that’s reliable and effective. Contact us to see if Scatterling is the right fit for your business. Our software based alarms are simple to install and can be used on desktop and mobile, providing your lone worker employees with the safety they deserve.
Check the Audio
Discreet panic buttons allow for efficiency in high-stress situations when seconds and minutes count. With a simple press and hold, the worker can create an emergency alert that instantly contacts the control room with their GPS location. The device works with their existing mobile phone and is designed to work seamlessly with their safety app subscription.
While there is no nationwide Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard that requires panic buttons for lone workers, many cities, states, and workplaces have passed staff safety laws that require devices such as these. In addition, OSHA's recommendations for preventing workplace violence include the use of these types of devices.
When a panic button is pressed, it triggers an alert to the designated monitor(s), usually management or security. This can be done via SMS, email or a call notification to the monitoring center. Some devices also offer a ‘no dead zone’ feature for employees in remote locations where there is no mobile network available.
Panic alarms are especially important for those working on their own such as healthcare and social care employees visiting patients at home, hotel workers entering guest rooms, and other lone workers in the field. The ability to instantly call for help removes the element of surprise and can prevent a situation from escalating into a he said she said scenario.
Check the Display
Panic buttons help lone workers to raise the alarm and alert colleagues or emergency services when they feel threatened or their well-being is compromised. They’re particularly useful for employees working in a variety of industries such as hospitality, healthcare, security and public works who may come into contact with members of the public or work in vulnerable areas.
However, many lone worker safety solutions go beyond panic buttons to offer a more comprehensive solution that helps lone workers to check-in automatically and provide valuable real-time monitoring. For example, a lone worker device can also provide the ARC with the staff member’s real-time location which is invaluable in some work environments where a quick response is crucial.
Additionally, many lone worker devices are designed to be used discreetly. This is important in volatile situations or environments as it can prevent aggressive or threatening behavior by alerting the person that help is on the way without escalating the situation further.
Having an effective lone worker system in place is crucial to meeting an employer’s duty of care, not only for the employee but also for other people who might be at risk. Taking the time to carry out a risk assessment and consult with your employees is a great first step towards implementing a lone worker device and a check-in system that will ensure their safety is always protected.