What is a lone worker? Do you have employees who are considered lone workers? Did you know if you have any lone workers, there are some things you should be doing to ensure their safety?

A lone worker is best defined as a worker who: 1. Works alone at a job site in circumstances where assistance would not be readily available. 2. Cannot be seen or heard by anyone else.

The main risks associated with lone working include:

• Sudden illness or accident
• Violence, threats or abuse
• Theft or intruders
• Driving-related incidents

Regular communication between employees and management is essential for the safety and well-being of lone workers. At the bare minimum, managers should be doing physical check-ins, phone calls, texts or radio calls at previously determined intervals. The best way to ensure the wellbeing of your lone worker is through lone worker monitor systems. There is a range of different monitor systems available, from basic alert buttons (Loner Mobile with Loner Duo) to sophisticated safety devices (Blackline Safety G7 Lone Worker Monitor) to phone apps (Stay Safe Lone Worker).

Basic Alert Button Loner Mobile with Loner Duo Description and Features

These types of monitor systems are limited in function but get the job done. They turn any smartphone into a simple safety monitoring platform. This device easily pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. In the event of an emergency, the worker cannot use their phone to access the Loner Mobile app; the Loner Duo has both automatic and manual triggers. This device will automatically contact monitoring personnel of falls and no-motion events. Other monitoring includes:

• Simple and Non-Intrusive Safety Monitoring Platform
• Bluetooth® Smart Communications with any smartphone
• Check-in timer: Configurable intervals (5-180 minutes)
• Emergency latch: Release latch to trigger emergency alert
• No-motion: Configurable time windows (1-10 minutes)
• Emergency alert: slider control within application
  Worker check-in: configurable check-in period (1 – 180 min)
• Automatic check-in on GPS speed (configurable above 20 km/h)
• No-Motion/Fall Detection: Using Internal Accelerometer
• Two-Way Voice Calling: Upon Activation – automatically phones specified number
• User Notification: Alarm, sound and vibration notifications
• Mobile Messaging: Email, Text Messaging
• Location Technology:
• GPS accuracy: ~5 m (16 ft) outdoors
• Wi-Fi accuracy: ~25 m (82 ft)
• Mobile network accuracy: ~1500 m (4900 ft)

Sophisticated Safety Device Blackline Safety G7 Lone Worker

The G7 lone worker monitoring line features built-in two-way messaging, two-way voice calling, and a plug-and-play modular design supporting optional environmental gas detection. Cellular and satellite wireless connectivity options support lone worker monitoring for every location, delivering real-time alerts to a live monitoring team. The green Sure Safe light confirms to the employee that their safety is being monitored through the Blackline Safety Network, including monitoring for:

• Real-time situational awareness
• 3G communication
• Connectivity with instant alerting
• Two-way speakerphone for easy communication
• 1-4 simultaneous gas monitoring
• Customizable gas detector (Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide)
• Simple wireless configuration
• Brilliant LCD screen
  Simple, user-friendly interface
• Real-time compliance management and reporting
• Compatible with Blackline LIVE web-based monitoring software

Mobile Phone/Smartwatch Apps StaySafe Lone Worker

This app was designed to protect you in emergency situations by sending SMS and alerts to your colleagues so that help can get to you fast. If you fail to check in safely during a lone working session, have an accident or raise an alert, the app automatically alerts emergency contacts at your workplace. It transmits your location to a secure, online hub where your employer can see your location on a map and quickly send help to you. StaySafe’s innovative functionality is designed to give you and your employer peace of mind when you attend meetings or appointments alone, travel alone, or work in an isolated location. StaySafe works over a mobile or Wi-Fi data connection monitoring:

• Lone working sessions
• Panic Button
• Discreet Duress
• Regular Check-ins
• Non-movement and Impact Detection

These devices can put both the employer and lone working employee at ease by knowing if something happens or there is an emergency, they can get the help they need even if they aren’t able to physically call from a phone for help. Just like with any emergency, response time is crucial to help an injured worker, but it’s extremely important for a lone worker.

If you are interested in one of these devices or have questions about which device will work best for you, contact your loss prevention consultant or Dustin Howe via dhowe@nhada.com.