False alarms from accidentally pressing the Help button are the leading cause of false alerts for our customers, which is why at Ok Alone, we’re always looking for ways to improve safety and make our system as effective as possible for lone workers and their supervisors. Therefore, we’re excited to announce an update to the Help Button functionality designed to reduce false alarms and improve overall usability.
What Has Changed?
The Help Button now requires a 2-second press and hold to request immediate help. This update has been introduced to minimize accidental alerts while still ensuring quick and reliable access to assistance when needed.
Here’s how it works:
When you press and hold the Help Button for 2 seconds, its colour will change from red to orange.
After this, you’ll have 5 seconds to cancel the request if it was triggered accidentally.
If no action is taken within those 5 seconds, an alert will be sent out to all designated contacts.
Why This Change?
False alarms can disrupt work, strain resources, and create unnecessary stress for workers and supervisors. They can also desensitize teams to alerts, potentially leading to slower responses in actual emergencies.
By requiring a 2-second press, we’ve significantly reduced the chances of accidental alerts being sent. This small change makes the system more reliable and helps ensure that alerts are only triggered when genuinely needed. For lone workers, this adds an extra layer of confidence that every request for help will be taken seriously.
When is this change happening?
This change has already been rolled out, providing a more reliable experience for lone workers and their supervisors while maintaining quick access to emergency support. Introduced in December 2024 as part of our latest app update, this improvement was developed based on user feedback to minimize accidental alerts while ensuring the Help Button remains easily accessible in emergencies.
Can I Keep the Instant-Press Functionality?
We understand that some teams may prefer the previous instant-press setup for their unique needs. That’s why the original functionality is still available! Simply go to the Extra Features section in the Ok Alone Dashboard and disable the “Panic Button Long Press” option.
At the heart of Ok Alone is our commitment to supporting worker safety. With this update, we aim to provide a reliable system that keeps workers safe while minimizing interruptions caused by false alarms.
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.