5 Best Lone Worker Safety Devices for 2024

What is a lone worker safety device?

A lone worker device is a specialized tool for enhancing the safety and security of individuals who regularly work alone or in isolation. It does this by providing real-time communication, monitoring, and emergency response capabilities.

By utilizing a lone worker safety device, individuals have immediate access to support systems, enabling them to report incidents, request assistance, and receive timely responses in critical situations. These devices act as a lifeline for lone workers, enhancing their safety and providing peace of mind to both the workers themselves and their employers.

Why are lone worker safety devices important?

Lone workers or mobile workers are critical to the success of most industries. They often possess niche skills and have the authority and flexibility to work in a variety of locations and conditions. They can also respond quickly to changing or unexpected demands of their work. 

Examples of lone workers:

• Field technicians
• Utility workers
• Healthcare representatives
• Oil and gas workers

The International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that there are over 1.3 billion mobile workers working independently throughout the world. And while they face similar risks to other types of workers, such as the potential for slips, trips, and falls, overexertion and fatigue, they also face the unique challenge of effectively communicating with others and receiving support or assistance in the event of an emergency—anytime and anywhere.

Employers and organizations have the moral and legal obligation to protect lone workers and ensure their safety while on the job. With businesses continuing to leverage technology to keep their workers safer and more productive in 2023, investing in the right lone worker safety device is more important than ever. For additional strategies, check out this comprehensive lone worker safety tips guide. 

Here we look at the top devices you should consider for protecting your lone workers.

5 best lone worker safety devices to keep your employees safe

1. Smartphones 

Smartphones are among the simplest ways employers and organizations can contact lone workers. They serve as the platform for deploying various types of lone worker apps, which are designed to provide a familiar and straightforward means of communication and assistance in the event of an emergency.

Organizations have options for lone worker apps to suit their needs. Accessible via smartphones or specialized devices, they offer features like emergency alerts and monitoring capabilities. 

Basic apps offer one-touch emergency alerts for quick communication with employers or supervisors. Alternatively, more advanced solutions include features like scheduled check-ins and customizable escalation procedures to ensure emergencies are addressed promptly.

Among the available lone worker safety devices, Aware360's SafetyAware Lone Worker App is notable for its user-friendly design and comprehensive features. Here is a breakdown of some of the main features you will find when you use SafetyAware:

2. Satellite devices

Satellite devices are necessary because they provide a means of communication, assistance, and location monitoring in areas where there is no cellular connectivity, such as rural areas, and even certain roads. What sets these devices apart from others is their ability to use satellite technology to transmit and receive data, ensuring lone workers can stay connected even in the most remote locations.

Satellite devices enable lone workers to use basic two-way communication to confirm their safety with supervisors or colleagues, request assistance, or send an SOS in an emergency. Satellite devices can also be equipped with location monitoring capabilities to locate a worker who may be lost or injured and unable to communicate where they are. 

The Bivy Stick, for instance, is a top solution for turning a lone worker's cell phone into a satellite communication device, with global coverage via the Iridium satellite network.

How the Bivy Stick integrates with SafetyAware

The Bivy Stick integrates seamlessly with SafetyAware, enhancing lone worker safety with real-time monitoring, automatic check-ins, and customizable escalation procedures. Its Bluetooth compatibility with smartphones makes it easy to use, providing a versatile and reliable option for lone workers in remote areas.

Learn more about the Bivy Stick and bring connection to your lone workers.

3. Fall detection devices

In 2020, 18% of non-fatal work injuries that resulted in time off work were caused by slips, trips, and falls. Falls that occur in remote areas or to lone workers who lack support or care can be even more dangerous, and not being able to address them on time could be detrimental for your business. This is where fall detection devices can be essential for safety. 

When it comes to fall detection, the Belle X it's a compact solution specially designed to monitor your workforce. This device is tailored to fit your organization's unique need; it's peace of mind for both employers and workers. 

 

How the Belle X integrates with SafetyAware

The Belle X can be integrated with safety management systems to provide real-time alerts and responses. While it is primarily a standalone device, its alerts can be customized to notify designated contacts via text or email, ensuring that falls are promptly addressed.

Fall detection devices provide employers with a cost-effective and efficient solution to a common workplace problem.

Learn more about the Belle X device and see how our state-of-the-art solutions can provide the protection you need.

4. One-touch devices

One-touch devices are quick and easy-to-use alternatives for lone workers. Best known as SOS alarms or panic buttons, these devices emit a signal—and sometimes even a sound—designed to alert others to the worker's situation. These personal alarms are an easy and effective tool for keeping lone workers safe by providing them with a hassle-free means of getting help in an emergency. There are several types of lone worker alarm devices:

Types of one-touch alarms:

• SOS/Panic alarm: A simple press of a button triggers an alarm, signaling distress and prompting a quick response
• Discreet or duress panic alarms: Allows you to signal for help without alerting potential threats
• Assistance alarms: Activated for non-critical situations where a worker may need support, advice, or additional resources.
• Check-in alarms: Require the worker to manually confirm their well-being at regular intervals.
• Threat zone alerts: create virtual boundaries around designated areas that may pose various risks or threats to worker safety.

These types of devices can be adopted by workers needing a fast response device, and security guards who may be at risk of being confronted by an aggressor and therefore need a discrete means of calling for help, among many other lone workers. Our SafetyAware Lone Worker App can be configured with these various types of alarms, ensuring that your lone workers can always request assistance when needed.

5. GPS tracking

GPS tracking devices are a practical way for employers to keep track of lone workers, ensuring their safety with real-time location updates. These devices use satellite technology to monitor and report worker locations in the case of emergencies.

Organizations can choose from various GPS tracking devices based on their needs. These devices, available as standalone units or integrated with smartphones, offer features like real-time tracking and geofencing.

Basic GPS trackers provide real-time location updates, allowing employers to see where workers are at all times. Aware360's SafetyAware stands out for its user-friendly design and comprehensive features. 

Here are some key features you get with SafetyAware:

• Real-time location monitoring: Continuously monitors lone workers' locations, providing real-time updates.
  
  
• Geofencing: Creates virtual boundaries and sends alerts if workers enter or leave these areas.
  
  
• Automatic incident detection: Detects incidents like falls or inactivity and triggers automatic alerts.
  
  
• Customizable alerts: Allows for personalized notifications to ensure the right people are informed quickly.
  
  
• Integration capabilities: Works seamlessly with other safety solutions, offering a complete solution for lone worker safety.

Using GPS tracking devices like SafetyAware ensures continuous monitoring of lone workers, meaning you know your lone workers make it home at the end of the night.

Explore Aware360’s comprehensive selection of lone worker safety devices.

A future focus on safety

Lone workers in North America are too often at risk of injury or death on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics it is estimated that more than 90 workers die each week across the continent. Even though employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for their employees, many have yet to implement smart safety solutions like the ones we have just covered.

Managing safety can be challenging and time-consuming for managers, who must navigate fast-changing regulations and juggle reporting, compliance, and training duties. In today's job market, companies must prioritize the safety of their workers to attract and retain top talent. To achieve this, companies should look to technology solutions like lone worker safety devices to ensure their protection. Ultimately, investing in workers is not only responsible but also essential.

Are you looking to provide a safer working environment for your lone workers with the latest lone worker safety solutions and lone worker devices? Get in touch with us; we'd be happy to help.

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