Introduction to Lone Worker Panic Alarms
Workers who operate alone face greater risks compared to those who work with others, primarily because they don’t have immediate support if something goes wrong. Employers have a legal "duty of care" to ensure the safety of all employees, including those working alone, by implementing appropriate measures.
According to the HSE, these measures may include providing lone workers with communication devices so supervisors can check in with them regularly. The frequency of check-ins depends on the tasks at hand and the level of risk the lone worker faces. In low-risk environments, checking in a few times a day might suffice, while higher-risk jobs may require hourly contact. At a minimum, businesses need to know that their lone workers start and finish their shifts safely.
While mobile communication devices allow lone workers to contact colleagues in emergencies, there are situations where calling someone isn’t feasible—or could even worsen the situation. For instance, if a worker is injured while operating heavy machinery, or if a healthcare worker feels threatened during a home visit, making a call could be impossible or dangerous.
This is where technology like panic alarms plays a crucial role.
What is a Lone Worker Panic Alarm and How Does it Work?
A lone worker panic alarm is a fast, reliable method for workers to signal an emergency. The panic or SOS button sends an immediate alert to a designated group of responders, eliminating the need to dial a number or explain the situation, which can save precious time.
In critical situations—like when a worker is trapped by machinery or a nurse feels threatened during a home visit—panic alarms allow for a swift, discreet call for help. The worker can activate the alarm with a single press, instantly alerting their team without drawing unnecessary attention, which could exacerbate a tense situation.
Exploring Different Types of Panic Alarms for Lone Workers
There are various types of panic alarms, which we categorised into four types: dedicated, dual-functioning, stationary, and ATEX lone worker devices.
Dedicated devices - These are compact, wearable devices that can be clipped to clothing, worn on a lanyard, or attached to a keychain. They are designed specifically for lone worker protection and typically feature a panic button, GPS tracking, and two-way communication. Some come with a man-down function. These devices are easy to use, and many come without a screen.
Dual-functioning devices - These handsets combine regular communication features with lone worker protection such as 2-way comms, dial pad and/or PTT button, integrated Panic (SOS) Button, Man-Down and location facilities. Examples include DECT, digital radios, VoWiFi, Bodyworn Cameras and smartphones with a lone worker app. These multi-purpose devices allow workers to communicate and trigger alarms, reducing the need for separate devices. They also help lower repair and replacement costs and contribute to sustainability by reducing the number of devices disposed.
Stationary devices - Typically mounted on walls or furniture, these are equipped with large panic buttons. Initially, stationary panic alarms were wired, but wireless models now make installation easier. These devices are commonly found in public-facing areas such as banks or retail stores, where staff might need to raise a silent alarm discreetly from under a desk.
ATEX devices - Designed for use in hazardous, flammable environments, ATEX devices are essential for sectors like oil, gas, and chemical industries. These come in both dedicated and dual-functioning forms and meet the necessary safety standards for use in explosive atmospheres.
Essential Features of Effective Panic Alarms
When choosing a panic alarm system for lone workers, it’s crucial to ensure the device has key features to meet the safety needs of your team. Below are the essential features:
Connectivity - Alarms must be transmitted to responders, making connectivity a vital factor. If mobile networks like 2G, 4G, or 5G are unreliable in your workplace, consider devices like DECT, digital radio, or WiFi.
Two-Way Communication - Responders need to communicate with the lone worker after an alarm is triggered. This feature allows for better coordination and ensures that the worker knows help is on the way.
Automatic Alerts - Sometimes, accidents happen so quickly that workers can’t press the panic button. Slips trips and falls, and workers colliding with objects are the most common types of injury sustained in industrial sectors. Devices with automatic alerts, such as man-down detectors, trigger alarms if a worker becomes incapacitated. The most reliable devices combine tilt detection and no-motion triggers and only trigger alarms if both conditions are met.
Location Tracking - Features like GPS, GNSS, and indoor location services, using beacons and WiFi, help responders find workers quickly in an emergency, even in complex environments.
Robustness - Workers operating in harsh industrial conditions need hard-wearing durable devices with a suitable IP dust and water ingress rating. Finding suitable robust devices will help minimise repair and replacement costs along with the administration time to organise replacements.
Monitoring - A fast response is essential when an alarm is triggered. Historically, alarms were routed to a manned workstation, but modern solutions allow alarms to be managed by mobile teams, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.
The Benefits of Panic Alarms for Lone Worker Safety
Installing panic alarms for lone workers offers several important benefits:
Enhanced Safety and Security - Lone workers operating by themselves in hazardous environments or in remote locations such as unfamiliar homes, feel safer knowing that help is just a button press away. This sense of security boosts worker morale and confidence. Click here to learn more about lone worker safety.
Quick Response in Emergencies - Panic alarms ensure a faster response time in emergencies, from injuries to violent situations, giving workers immediate access to help.
Increased Productivity - Automated panic alarm systems eliminate the need for manual check-ins, allowing managers to focus on their core tasks rather than conducting frequent safety checks.
Peace of Mind for Workers and Employers - Panic alarms provide reassurance that safety measures are in place, allowing both workers and employers to focus on their tasks with fewer worries about potential risks.
How to Implement Panic Alarms in Your Workplace
Implementing panic alarms in your workplace is key to enhancing safety and ensuring swift responses during emergencies. Here, we detail the essential steps, including needs assessment, device selection, and training, to help you maximise your investment.
Conduct a Needs Assessment
Before selecting panic alarm systems, it's vital to comprehend the unique risks and requirements of your workplace. Begin by evaluating the environment and identifying specific threats employees might face, such as aggressive clients, theft, hazardous conditions, or medical emergencies.
Identify the areas where panic alarms are most necessary by assessing high-risk zones. This might include cash handling locations, places where staff visit clients' homes, or isolated hazardous areas like those in manufacturing. Review past safety incidents to spot patterns and determine where they have previously occurred.
It's also crucial to engage employees in discussions about their safety concerns. Frontline staff often have valuable insights into where and how alarm systems can be most effective. By conducting a comprehensive assessment, you ensure your panic alarms will meet the needs of your workplace and employees.
Selecting the Right Devices and Systems
Once you've identified the needs, the next step is to choose appropriate devices and systems that align with your workplace, risk profile and lone workers needs.
Consider the type of panic alarm device, such as stationary, dual-function, dedicated, or ATEX, and the features your lone workers require, like ruggedness, indoor or outdoor location tracking, and connectivity options such as 2G, 4G, WiFi, or a private network.
You must also consider how alarms will be monitored. Modern solutions allow alarms to be managed by internal mobile and desktop responders, improving speed of response and support. External Alarm Receiving Centres are alternative option too.
Choosing the right panic alarm system not only involves selecting the right device but ensuring alarms are responded and managed in the right way too.
Training Employees on Proper Usage
Even the most advanced panic alarm system will be ineffective if employees are not properly trained to use it. Below are some key areas of employee training:
Basic Operation - Educate employees on how and when it is appropriate to use the panic alarm system. Ensure they understand how the device works. Some units don't have screens, so it's crucial they know how to tell that the device is switched on and connected to the network.
Emergency Response - Define what occurs after an alarm is triggered. The alarm itself marks the beginning of the emergency, not its resolution. All responders must understand what is expected of them and the steps they should take to manage each alarm effectively. This may involve, for example, attending the scene themselves, coordinating with the first aid team, and/or contacting emergency services.
Train Responders - Train responders, such as supervisors, other lone workers, and security staff, on how to react to alarm activations, verify whether the alert is genuine or false, and how best to coordinate and manage the response.
Testing and Drills - Regularly test the panic alarm system to ensure it operates correctly. Conduct emergency drills involving the use of the alarm system so employees can practice responding under simulated emergency conditions.
False Alarms- Educate lone workers on how to avoid triggering false alarms and explain the steps they should take if a false alarm occurs (such as contacting the response team and cancelling the false alarm).
Effective training ensures that panic alarms are used correctly and that employees feel confident handling emergencies.
Final Thoughts: Why Panic Alarms are Crucial for Lone Worker Protection
Panic alarms offer essential protection for lone workers by providing a quick way to summon help in emergencies, such as falls, medical crises, or violent encounters. They ensure faster response times and enable discreet communication during dangerous situations. These devices not only enhance worker safety but also provide peace of mind for both employees and employers
