In the last decade partly due to rapid advancements in technology and interconnectedness lone working has become increasingly common. Lone workers are those who often operate in remote, off-hour or hazardous environments, thereby experiencing safety challenges that differ from those faced by their colleagues. To help lone workers mobile applications have been developed to enhance their safety and offer increased protection.
In this article, we look into the advantages of using lone worker applications, particularly focusing on our cutting-edge app that has transformed the safety of lone workers. The Ok Alone lone worker app has been specifically designed to provide workers with real-time monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and location tracking, all at their fingertips. Companies that employ the use of our app can rest assured that their workers who operate alone are better protected than ever before. Join us as we explore the features and benefits of this outstanding technology and discover how it can significantly enhance the safety and security of your workforce.
Do I Need a Lone Worker App?
You’re working remotely repairing an aerial at a substation. You fall off the ladder and break your leg, that’s it, you’re on your own, right? Wrong!
You have a Lone Worker app that uses GPS locations, so by clicking the ‘help’ button you let your supervisor know you need immediate assistance, and they send a rescue team to your precise location.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, lone workers face unique safety challenges. These workers often find themselves in remote locations or performing high-risk tasks, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and incidents. That’s where the lone worker app comes in. By putting safety at their fingertips, apps empower workers to stay better protected on the job.
Why Are Lone Worker Safety Apps Important?
With more and more people working remotely these days, either out in the field or alone in their homes, it is vital they have a way to check in with supervisors or get help in critical situations. Some lone worker systems involve using expensive, cumbersome external equipment that needs to be carried around all shift, this is not ideal when you already have enough to carry or remember on a daily basis. Lone worker apps, however, offer remote workers the necessary safety equipment with the ease of adding it to the technology they already have with them.
Ensuring Working Alone is Safe, No Matter What Device You Are Using
The brilliant thing about a lone worker app is that it can be installed on a wide range of devices. Currently 48.20% of the world’s population use a smartphone (1). This means the majority of lone workers are able to go to the Google Play store or Apple App store to download their lone worker protection. Through this method apps can also be downloaded for use on iPads and tablets.
Great lone worker apps also work on older model Zero G mobile phones, landlines and even have the capability to work with satellite phones. Users should be able to use their app on a pc through Windows or any other browser. The best lone worker apps though allow you to use voice commands and access your solution through Siri or any Alexa Dot or Google Home device.
1 (Source: https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world)
Six Popular Lone Worker Safety App Features & Benefits
1. Automated check in
A vital aspect of any solution is a flexible count down timer that can be set from 15 minutes to 24 hours as scheduled check ins or changed depending on the situation.
2. Man Down/Worker Down
If no movement is detected the app should sound an alarm firstly alerting the worker that there has been no movement to avoid false alarms. If the alert is not responded to by the lone worker, then a man down alert should be escalated to an allocated supervisor.
3. GPS locations
GPS monitoring needs to give a worker’s real time positioning in an emergency, no matter how remote locations are. There are a number of settings available to workers depending on the accuracy required.
4. Panic button
If a worker requires immediate help they should be able to tap the HELP button on the app, send an sms with their worker ID number and the word HELP or call in and select HELP from the menu.
5. High-risk check in
There are times when a worker is entering a high risk situation and they want the ability to shorten their next check-in time themselves. This should be something they can easily control through the app.
6. Dashboard
The dashboard should give a clear, detailed map of the area each worker is in. This will allow supervisors to have precise co-ordinates to send help to if a worker misses a check in or requires emergency services.
What Lone Working App Should I Choose?
Ok Alone is the perfect low-cost lone worker system to ensure workers safely complete each shift. The all in one solution is a simple safe worker app (that doesn’t require additional chunky hardware) which connects workers with a supervisor who monitors their health and well-being.
The Ok Alone system has a wide range of features designed to make staff working remotely feel safer. An automated countdown timer, as required by work alone legislation and the duty of care, will remind an employee to check in using either the smartphone app, SMS or phone call. Other features like Man down detection and high risk check ins give staff an increased sense of security. Ok Alone’s smartphone app works in conjunction with a website and cloud-based dashboard that can be used on pc, laptop, tablet or any smartphone. The online dashboard will display a map with the workers last known location if an alert is triggered.
A unique feature of the Ok Alone solution is its ability to be used completely hands-free with voice commands. Android or iPhone verbal short cuts can be programmed into the app, allowing workers to start shifts, check in and most importantly, request help without touching their phone.
Best Practices for Implementing a Lone Worker App
Implementing a lone worker app requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some best practices to consider:
Conduct a Risk Assessment
Before implementing a lone worker app, conduct a risk assessment to identify the hazards and risks associated with lone working in your company.
Test the App
Test the app to ensure that it works as intended and so workers can see what will happen when they send an alert.
Provide Training
Provide workers with training on how to use the app and what to do in case of an emergency.
Involve Workers in the Process
Involve workers in the selection and implementation of the app. This ensures that they understand the benefits and how to use it effectively.
Develop Policies and Procedures
Develop policies and procedures with your staff for using the app, including what to do in case of an emergency, how often to check-in, and how to report incidents.
As an expert in lone worker content management, I possess an extensive knowledge base and experience in the area of lone working and safety monitoring. My expertise in this field encompasses a wide range of areas, including risk assessment, training, communication, and technology. I have a deep understanding of the unique risks associated with lone workers and have researched and written many projects and articles to educate people in how to mitigate these risks.
Throughout my time with Ok Alone, I have kept up to date with technological developments, legislative changes and regulations that have been introduced to help organizations ensure the safety of their lone workers.