Features to Consider When Choosing a Lone Worker Panic Button

Lone workers may not be tech-savvy, so choosing a user-friendly device is important. A simple interface and automatic functionality like fall detection is a great way to boost employee confidence and provide peace of mind.

Having the ability to add features and capabilities as business needs evolve is also helpful. This is especially true when it comes to lone worker panic buttons.

1. Audio

Lone workers may find themselves in situations that require a fast response. They could be in danger from an attacker, witness inappropriate behaviour or suffer a medical emergency at work.

A good lone worker panic button will automatically alert the appropriate team members to their situation. Lone Worker Alarm Depending on the device, this may include security personnel, colleagues or even the police.

Many lone worker devices also offer additional features like discreet panic, two-way audio and recorded voice notes. Some even have a man-down/fall detection to send an alert when staff need assistance, even if their device is on silent. This type of feature is very useful in areas where a cellular or WIFI signal can't be received. It's also a great way to help staff who are unconscious or injured at work.

2. LED Lights

Lone workers are exposed to a variety of dangers specific to their profession. For example, home health care nurses face risks in unfamiliar neighborhoods and electrical workers deal with high voltage.

A single-push panic button on a lone worker device or app immediately connects the lone employee with an operator to dispatch police or send medical assistance. This is a key feature that helps employers meet their duty of care responsibilities and provide peace of mind for employees who work alone.

In addition to the panic button, a lone worker monitor’s display features a three-coloured GSM network status LED 34 and battery LED 32. The network status LED lights red while the unit is attempting to connect and turns amber when the connection is successful.

3. Battery Life

Lone Workers need a panic button that works for the duration of their shift. Using a device that is easy to trigger but has a long battery life will ensure employees are protected and can respond to an alert.

Mobile lone worker safety solutions should be easy to use and include additional features that mitigate risk like automatic check-ins, fall detection, GPS tracking and mandown monitoring. The best way to find the right product for your organisation is to consider your lone worker risk assessment and escalation procedures.

A comprehensive lone worker solution includes an online dashboard that monitors all emergency alerts. This allows the ARC to instantly locate the device, talk to the lone worker and escalate the situation according to your business’s escalation procedure.

4. Apps

A lone worker panic button should offer more than a simple alarm. A dependable device should include features such as 2-way voice calls with emergency dispatch. This allows them to verify the incident, and escalate it in accordance with police guidelines.

Another feature to consider is live monitoring and alerts. This will give you a real time view of your employee’s location, and will notify anyone named for them should an alarm be triggered or if they don’t check-in after the end of their shift.

Depending on the risk assessment you carry out, you may decide to have a specific person in your organisation that will be contacted first if an alert is received. This helps to build trust, and shows that your employees are your priority.

5. Customization

Lone workers who are at risk of assault or intimidation can benefit from access to a personal alarm panic button. Oftentimes, providing access to these devices will help reduce unwanted behavior from guests, patients or customers and prevent an incident from becoming dangerously escalated.

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether your staff requires a device that includes a panic button is to conduct a hazard assessment and review workplace violence risks. From there, you can implement protocols and strategies, like panic buttons, to protect your employees from violence-related incidents.

When selecting a lone worker safety solution, look for one that offers an integrated device with a panic button or man down alert. This means that your employees won’t have to add an extra device to their toolkit or be confused about how to use a new piece of technology.