‍What is Lone Worker Monitoring?

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Companies use lone worker monitoring to keep employees safe when they work alone, especially in faraway places. Because of their isolated work environment, these individuals are at a high risk of unattended emergencies.

In response, several countries have implemented safety regulations mandating the monitoring of lone working individuals, enabling prompt assistance in case of emergency situations.

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Why is Lone Worker Monitoring Crucial for Employee Safety?

Throughout history, the safety of lone workers in isolated environments has been a significant concern. Some people have suffered injuries, including fatal ones because they did not receive immediate assistance.

This reality emphasizes the importance of lone worker monitoring solutions in a work environment, especially in remote or high-risk areas. Such monitoring is vital for immediate response in an emergency and for providing peace of mind to the workers.

Immediate Aid - A Lifeline for Lone Workers 

In cases where lone workers face emergencies, the availability of immediate aid can be the difference between life and death. Without a robust lone-worker monitoring system, companies might be unaware of the urgent needs of their isolated employees. 

Implementing effective safety measures, such as lone worker safety devices and location tracking, ensures that workers can instantly alert safety teams to any safety hazard, thus mitigating more significant issues.

For further insight into safety measures and regulations, the National Safety Council offers an in-depth perspective in this white paper (PDF).

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Global Methods of Ensuring Lone Worker Safety 

Globally, companies in various industries have adopted diverse methods to monitor their lone workers, aligning with safety regulations and the unique challenges of different work environments. 

As the adoption of EHS solutions continues to grow, these methods evolve to include more advanced and integrated safety technologies. This not only ensures the safety of employees but also significantly reduces the risk of debilitating injuries. 

Through live tracking and cloud-based technologies, businesses can efficiently manage the safety of their solitary employees, including those working remotely in distant locations.

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Positive Impact on Employee Morale and Productivity 

Moreover, the implementation of lone-worker monitoring systems demonstrates a company’s commitment to the safety of its employees. This commitment has a positive impact on employee morale and productivity.

When employees know that their company invests in their safety, such as through lone worker apps or professional monitoring services, it fosters a sense of trust and enhances their engagement at work.

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6 Innovative Methods for Lone Worker Monitoring

Research shows that companies are constantly adopting techniques to monitor their lone workers, each suited to different work environments and safety needs. 

These methods blend traditional practices with modern technologies - like real-time location tracking and cloud-based safety solutions - to ensure comprehensive worker safety. 

This approach allows companies to address diverse safety challenges effectively, adapting to specific environments and regulatory demands.

1. Periodic Check-Ins

The simplest way to monitor lone workers is to institute a check-in system. Employees call a designated individual after a specific interval, often an hour.

Or, in some cases, they may receive a call after a set interval, and they must accept it. If the employee fails to establish contact, the emergency team immediately tasks them.

Companies now use automated monitoring solutions to require employees to receive and report on their progress, providing periodic check-ins and enhancing their health and safety.

2. Smartphone Apps with Panic Buttons

Many industries use safety applications with features like a panic button to improve lone worker monitoring. These apps allow a lone worker to request help discreetly, enhancing their safety.

Some applications can also configure different triggers, such as pulling the cable from a headphone jack, saying a safety word, or tapping the screen twice. This way, the lone worker can request help without unlocking their phone.

3. AI-Powered Monitoring Devices

Conventional CCTV cameras have been in use for decades. While companies often use CCTV cameras for lone worker monitoring, someone on the other end must monitor the person on screen. 

If the person is away from the screen during an emergency, the system might not be as effective. For safety officers, constantly monitoring different lone workers operating in separate environments is often tricky. 

As a result, many companies are now using AI monitoring devices. These devices enhance AI privacy and security, ensuring responsible handling of the captured data. AI monitoring tools directly connect to a live camera feed where users can configure them to capture different events.

Companies can define specific rules for capturing unsafe events and determine steps for how to act. For instance, you can set no-motion alerts, and the system will alert safety officials if the lone worker doesn’t move for a certain period.

4. GPS Location Tracking

Companies also use GPS devices to ensure they know different workers’ locations. They can define specific check-in points and ensure workers stay on course.

GPS devices rely on satellites to transmit location data from the device to the receiver. These are generally highly precise, so safety officials can immediately dispatch a team to the accurate location if something goes wrong.

5. Connected Wearable Devices 

Connected wearable devices are an emerging method in lone worker safety. These personal safety devices, often worn as badges or wristbands, monitor vital signs and send emergency alerts in case of health crises, like falls or medical emergencies.

When integrated with a company’s safety system, these wearables provide real-time monitoring and periodic check-ins, ensuring extra safety for lone workers in remote locations.

6. Protex AI for Advanced Lone Worker Monitoring

Various industries utilize systems like Protex to monitor and ensure the safety of their lone workers effectively. As one of the best solutions for unattended worker monitoring, our AI-powered workplace safety software improves worker safety by automatically detecting and recording unsafe events. 

Furthermore, the tool can send alerts to specific individuals in case of an incident, enabling them to act swiftly. The company can use the evidence captured by the device to effect tangible change, allowing for safer working practices in isolated environments.

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Lone Worker Monitoring - A Priority for Employers

Employers have a duty of care to ensure their lone workers’ safety and mental health, especially those in high-risk environments. Companies can provide their remote workers peace of mind and secure working conditions by employing connected safety solutions like smartphone apps, AI devices, and GPS trackers.

These technologies safeguard employees and align with safety regulations, demonstrating a company’s commitment to the health and safety of its workforce.

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