Limitations and Risks Associated With Lone Worker Panic Buttons

Lone workers need a way to call for help in the event of danger, injury or a medical emergency. After carrying out a risk assessment and consulting with employees, it is possible to implement a device that allows staff to call for help quickly.

Some states and cities have passed laws requiring companies to provide lone worker safety devices like panic buttons to protect healthcare and social service workers, child welfare employees, and hotel staff.

Limitations

Lone worker panic buttons can help employees operating alone to summon assistance quickly in situations where they feel threatened, witness inappropriate behavior or experience an accident or medical emergency. However, they do not eliminate all risk.

In general, workplace violence puts lone workers at significant risk of attack, illness and injury. It can also damage them emotionally and physically for years after the incident. Therefore, if their work involves interacting with members of the public in a way that leaves them vulnerable to aggressive and threatening behaviour, it is essential to implement protocols and strategies like panic buttons.

A simple lone worker device monitoring app can monitor a staff member and alert colleagues, security or emergency services to their location if the alarm is triggered. lone worker safety devices The software based solutions operate on desktop and mobile, giving staff greater flexibility, compared with hardware devices that may become obsolete over time. The SHEQSY lone worker application, for example, is available on iOS and Android smartphones, integrated bluetooth wearables, and handheld satellite devices.

Threats

The threat of violence can occur in any workplace, however employees working alone may be at a greater risk. Providing staff with a panic button can help mitigate that risk and provide peace of mind for lone workers.

The device can discreetly trigger an alert and notify monitors that the employee needs assistance. This alert will be sent as an SMS, email or phone call to the designated monitors – whether that is a manager, group of managers or a 24/7 monitoring station.

Many states and cities have passed laws requiring businesses that employ lone workers to provide them with panic buttons. This includes healthcare facilities and hotel staff. Using a digital lone worker system that includes a panic button is an effective way to comply with these laws and keep your employees safe. Moreover, a panic button provides an easy to access way for employees to confirm their safety and location which can help to manage resources efficiently.

Legality

Whether it’s a hotel housekeeper in danger, a retail worker getting mugged or a healthcare nurse visiting patients, workplace violence is unfortunately common. This is why lone worker safety systems that pair panic buttons with preventative features are so important. Devices like SHEQSY, for example, allow employees to call for help instantly, discreetly and safely by pressing a button. The system also sends their real-time location to security and first responders, minimizing response times.

Many states and cities are passing laws to require hotel workers, social services and care providers, realtors, utility employees and more to use personal safety devices like panic buttons. Regardless of whether your company will need to comply with these new rules, the right lone worker safety solution can provide peace of mind for every employee – including you! For more information about how to keep your team safe, contact us. We can discuss your specific needs and provide recommendations for a solution that will meet those needs.

Training

A lone worker panic button is often used by hotel staff and enables them to quickly react in situations such as burglaries, assaults or extreme weather conditions. Using one button, employees can send an instant alarm to security personnel and even make a two-way emergency voice call with their location information.

Many states and cities are considering or passing legislation to require employers to provide lone workers with panic buttons. These laws are based on the fact that healthcare workers, social service workers, and property service contractors can be at high risk of violence.

Like any safety measure, it’s important that training is incorporated to get everyone familiar with the system and how it works. It’s a good idea to keep this training in line with the general mood of the company so that employees don’t feel intimidated or scared to use the new technology. This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns and help them understand that their safety is a priority.