How a Panic Button Can Help a Lone Worker

When working alone, staff members can access the app to check-in or send a duress alert. Some devices have fall detection functionality and a Man Down alarm can also be triggered automatically after a period of non-movement (depending on the device).

Personal panic buttons are discreet devices that lone workers wear or keep in their pocket, that when pressed send a duress signal to their monitoring centre. The user can then describe their situation and law enforcement are sent to their location.

What is a Panic Button?

Panic buttons are worn or carried and designed to allow lone workers to instantly call for help when they’re in danger. They’re often used by staff in dangerous environments like hotels and healthcare centers.

A wearable panic button will work over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to a monitoring system and a GPS locating function, providing the user with the ability to alert security personnel to their location and request assistance immediately. They’re usually designed to be discreet so that they can be used in public without agitating the person they’re calling about.

A fixed panic button is also available and works by connecting directly to a monitor at a central control room or emergency services. They can be located in set locations such as behind the counter of a jewellery shop or bank, but are more likely to be used by employees working alone in retail or hospitality settings.

There are also several different panic button apps that can be downloaded to smartphones. These work in a variety of ways, with some requiring the user to hold down a button for an extended period of time and others allowing the user to trigger an alarm with a single click. Many of these apps include additional features, such as automatic fall detection and a ‘check-in’ feature that reminds the user to send an alert if they haven’t done so in a certain time frame.

How does a Panic Button Work?

There are many reasons a business needs to consider panic buttons for employees. Workplace violence is a real risk for all businesses, especially those who deal with money, such as banks, and those with public access, such as shops, restaurants and hotels. It may be nearly impossible to prevent workplace violence, but a security system paired with a panic button can help to reduce the risk and provide some peace of mind for staff members.

The way a panic button works is that the employee can press a button to send an alert to a central monitoring station. Depending upon how the system is set up, this could trigger an alarm and dispatch police or other emergency personnel to the site. Alternatively, it may send a text message or an email to a pre-designated monitor. If a lone worker uses a device such as StaySafe, it will also send a GPS location with the alert, which helps to make sure help can be sent directly to the employee.





It is important to train employees on how to use the device and to practice in various scenarios. Some companies choose to limit card access into the room in which a panic button has been pressed, and they will only let someone back in after the incident has been cleared up. Others simply notify non-security employees who can immediately respond and assist.

How Does a Panic Button Trigger an Alert?

A panic button enables a person to instantly trigger a 1-way voice call from their personal safety device or app. This is immediately passed to a human operator who listens to the incident, verifies its nature and escalates in line with Police guidelines. This is a huge difference to traditional panic alarms, where an audible signal is often all that happens.

Lone workers such as social care workers, real estate agents, home healthcare providers, technicians and construction workers are often based at client sites or alone in dangerous environments. They face risks such as isolation, encountering unfamiliar clients, or being confronted by an aggressor. Lone worker apps and devices such as StaySafe offer a range of functionality that is developed specifically for these common lone working challenges, including man-down detection, discreet panic options, and low signal mode.

Once an alert is triggered, the team or monitoring station will be notified via SMS, email and/or a phone call. They can then follow a response plan and send help to the lone worker if needed. If a GPS location is included with the alert, this can also be used to direct the emergency services directly to the employee. If the employee is using a portable lone worker app, they can also press a button to disable an alert. This is useful for situations where the employee has already triggered an alert but needs to pause it to continue their work.

What are the Benefits of a Panic Button?

Lone workers such as real estate agents, home healthcare professionals, technicians, and security personnel can face many dangers while working alone. These include isolation, unwelcome or intimidating behavior, and dangerous locations. A personal panic button gives these employees a way to signal for help and share their location when necessary, so they don’t have to face these situations on their own. Organizations have a duty of care to keep these employees safe and provide them with tools such as a personal panic button.

An in-app panic button is a great option for those who need to operate their smartphone in an emergency situation but don’t want to be distracted by a screen or keyboard. In addition to this, some systems also offer a physical button that can be triggered discreetly by pushing the device’s power button 4 times. This is perfect for lone workers who might need to operate their device in an emergency but don’t want to draw attention to themselves or risk being attacked.

Personal safety devices like the in-app panic button help employees feel more confident and secure while on the job. This is especially important for employees who work alone at night or during off-hours when they may be more vulnerable to potential assaults. man down alarm In addition to a panic button app, organizations should also consider investing in a lone worker check-in system that combines an automated check-in mode with man-down and fall detection capabilities.