There are over six million people in the UK that work alone across many different professions and over the last decade the need for lone worker protection systems has been recognised. Because of the high volume of people who work alone the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has published a guide to advise employers of their obligation towards their employees and help them determine what the best lone worker protection system is best for them.
If you would like know more about the guidelines stipulated in the BSIA ´Lone Workers – An Employers Guide,” you can visit their website, but to save wading through pages of regulations and suggestions straight away stay with us and we will give you an informed introduction to the type of lone worker systems that are available to you.
GSM Systems
GSM systems are ideal for lone workers who make house calls. The beauty about GSM systems is that they do not require a central infrastructure and can be used anywhere throughout the world providing there is mobile phone coverage in the area.
Effectively they work predominantly like a mobile phone, but with lower monthly bills, and the added distinction of a built-in panic button that puts you straight through to a police hotline and can make outgoing calls to two predetermined destinations. When the panic alarm is raised the GMS system sends a message and highlights your location so you can reach help discretely.
DECT IP Phones
DECT IP phones allow users on the same site to communicate, but also has a panic button, tilt and no-motion alarms in the event the lone worker is rendered unconscious. They are mostly effective for labour workers on building sites or mining together with other potentially dangerous expeditions such as caving or diving. DECT units speed up response times and offer peace of mind to the lone worker knowing that colleagues are close by to help whatever state of consciousness or trouble they are in.
VoWifi Phone
Voice over phones is used with internet services and although most systems are purely LAN based, the latest technologies also allow them to be used in areas with Wi-Fi coverage. Companies with a wireless network can use the voice over devices for updates on voice traffic and data traffic to help your drivers avoid congestion.
The useful handsets also reduce monthly bills and have the capability to send and receive messages over your existing communication system. You can also set up a lone worker panic button in the event of an emergency.
PMR (Professional Mobile Radio)
PMR radio lone worker protection systems have the look, feel and operation values as a mobile phone, but are designed to withstand the most extreme conditions in hostile environments and have a superior battery life so you are assured the power will easily last throughout the working day. The features are more sophisticated than most lone worker protection systems, but will be familiar to anybody who uses a mobile phone.
Safety Call Systems
Safety call systems automatically call lone workers on their existing mobile, DECT or landline phone at pre-determined times and wait for a response. If there is no response from the lone worker the safety call system tries again and after repeated attempts will raise an alarm with a pre-determined source. The system also continues to send the alarm until it has been acknowledged. Safety call systems are also fitted with no-motion sensors in the event that the lone work is knocked unconscious.
Conclusion
The onus is on companies to provide employees with a secure and safe environment to work in, and with lone worker protection systems more advanced now than ever before now is a good time to invest on safety and fulfill your obligations.
Image Credits Wikipedia 1 & 2.