Implementation of Lone Worker Panic Buttons in Different Industries

In addition to creating a company safety policy, businesses that employ people who work alone should provide them with access to a panic button. This is not only a good idea but it’s also mandatory in some jurisdictions.

Lone worker panic buttons, often called duress alarms or emergency signals, work by sending a duress alert to a monitor when the user presses the button on a device or app.

1. Hospitals

Whether in the office, in the field or at clients' homes, a hospital worker who is lone working may face dangers and risks on their job. While a company safety policy and periodic check-ins are important, they're not always enough to keep a lone worker safe.

Having access to an easy-to-use panic button can be helpful for those who need to alert security or first responders. These lone worker alarm devices allow employees to quickly send an alert with their location, so that help can be sent to them as quickly as possible.

Many lone worker safety systems have GPS tracking technologies that help to locate an employee. These systems can also include indoor and outdoor positioning technology. These technologies help to ensure that a lone worker can be located quickly in the event of an emergency, especially if they have to travel through an unfamiliar area or building.

These devices can be paired with a lone worker app that allows employees to send an alert with their location and the details of the situation. These apps can be triggered by pressing a button or tapping on a menu option inside the app. Some systems offer an automatic check-in and overtime alert that can be triggered by a simple tap. Some also have a man-down alarm or an incapacitated alarm that can be activated based on tilt, non-movement or acceleration.

2. Retail

In stores, lone workers can be at risk for being targeted by robbers or customers who feel threatened by employees. Personal alarm panic buttons can allow staff to signal for help immediately in the event of an incident.

Some companies offer lone worker devices with a physical button that can be activated, and others use a mobile app to act as a panic button. Both methods of triggering an emergency alert are designed to send the employee’s GPS location to a monitoring center, so that a dispatch operator can locate the worker, talk with them and follow their company’s escalation procedures.

Using a smartphone app as a panic button allows for a discreet and easy-to-use method of requesting assistance. A lone worker app is downloaded directly onto the employee’s phone, and they log in using log in details provided to them. Upon logging in, a large, red “help” button appears on the home screen that can be pressed to trigger an emergency alert.

SafetyLine, a provider of lone worker safety devices, offers both a downloadable app and Bluetooth accessory that turns an employee’s smartphone into a panic button. The app’s easy to access, discreet button can be pressed by holding the in-app button for three seconds or, if their hands are full and they cannot open the app, shaking their phone will trigger an emergency alert.

3. Construction

Many construction workers work alone or in small teams for long periods of time. Man Down Devices This can leave them vulnerable to threats and aggression from customers or colleagues. Equipping these employees with a mobile device that includes a lone worker panic button can help protect them from this type of behaviour.

Employers have a legal duty to ensure their employees’ safety while they work. This includes having a system in place that allows staff to contact someone for help. A lone worker panic alarm is one such solution that can be accessed anywhere, even when the employee’s phone has no signal. This is crucial for construction workers who may be working in remote or isolated areas.

Companies that have a lone worker panic button in place are also able to track the location of their employees. This feature is particularly helpful for hotels and other businesses that rely on hotel staff to provide services to guests, customers, and property owners. This can improve response times when an emergency occurs and reduce liability. Some lone worker devices can be armed with Man Down detection, allowing them to monitor the user for a period of inactivity, triggering an alert if necessary. This can be especially useful for employees who may need assistance due to a fall or unconsciousness. This feature is included with most SafetyLine devices.

4. Healthcare

In the healthcare industry, the threat of violence is a real and prevalent issue. Whether they are nurses visiting patients in their homes or realtors showing properties to prospective buyers, the health and safety of healthcare workers is at risk. Having a lone worker panic button available to employees can help them feel safe and secure in these types of situations.

Although there is no nationwide Occupational Safety and Health Standard that requires employers to provide lone workers with panic buttons, OSHA guidelines and citations often mention the use of these devices as an effective way to increase staff safety. Additionally, many cities and states have passed laws that require employers to provide lone workers with personal alarm systems that include a panic button.

A lone worker panic button allows workers to call for help in an emergency by pressing and holding a button or using the device’s GPS to notify their monitoring center. Depending on the device, it may also offer other features like man-down/fall detection and discreet alerts.

Providing a lone worker panic button to employees can show them that the company is invested in their well-being and takes their security seriously. However, every employer must create a lone worker policy and safety plan that assesses the risks associated with each employee’s unique working environment and tasks.