Improving Lone Worker Safety Using “The Internet of Things”

Lone Worker is a frequently used term and refers to any employee that works away from their respective teams. These individuals accomplish their tasks without any direct supervision, often in remote or isolated environments. As a result, these workers are more exposed to different types of safety as well as health related issues and, over a period of time, they risk dealing with a lot more mental health issues and stress.

We can significantly improve Workplace Safety by ensuring watchfulness within the workplace.  However, these measures of workplace security do not benefit the Lone Workers deployed in remote and isolated locations. In-home caregivers, remote operators, social workers, and surveyors are all exposed to a very high risk of occupational challenges and work-related injuries.

In recent years, there have been significant efforts for improving Lone Worker Safety technology. With the advent of advanced mobile technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), these protection technologies have now become more accessible and easier to manage. Experts claim that the future of Lone Worker protection lies in Connected Safety utilising the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Before discussing ahead, let us understand the fundamental concept of the Internet of Things and Connected Safety.

The Internet of Things:

The Internet of Things may be defined as the interconnection of different computing devices embedded in everyday objects such as cars,  televisions, kitchen appliances, mobiles phones, and others, that use the Internet for sending and receiving data. Devices and machines connected via IoT have an excellent potential to improve the way we live and work.  Some examples of an application of Internet of Things in real life situations include smart homes that are capable of automatically adjusting heating and lighting, smart factories that check the condition of machines to name a few.  In the context of Lone Worker safety, devices that can be used for IoT include smartphones, Bluetooth panic buttons, or wearables like smartwatches capable of communicating via cloud-based platforms or networks.

Connected Safety:

The term Connected Safety may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) platform and is capable of connecting equipment, places, and workers for the purpose of helping organisations facilitate improvements in safety process automation, workflow, and worker safety. This is a digitally enabled and human centric approach to improving safety performance by

• Identifying digital substitutes to eliminate the need for sending individuals into high-risk situations.
• Safeguarding frontline workers by providing them near real time intelligence.
• Providing information to frontline workers about dealing with hazardous situations by introducing smart devices, automated interventions, and remote monitoring.

IoT and Connected Safety for Lone Workers:

Working in tandem with connected safety monitoring technology, IoT devices can certainly improve off-site conditions for workers working in isolation. This technological innovation not only reduces the risk of injury or danger, but also improves emergency response time. IoT safety monitoring ensures that Lone Workers can immediately seek help in high-risk situations.

These days, connected safety monitoring technology is available in many different often wearable devices such as handsets, wristbands, downloadable apps, or lanyard attachments provided to lone workers. These monitoring devices assist in creating a sense of security and teamwork amongst the Lone Workers;  they know that they have immediate and direct access to their team members as well as supervisors during any emergency situation.

In addition to apps or devices, emergency response services and supporting software can also be provided to the employers. Safety monitoring software empowers the employers to check in on Lone Worker Safety and the workflow via an interface. All job-site related activities including arrival and departure schedules can also be monitored easily.

Let us take the example of an electrical utility worker who has been assigned the job of repairing a broken transformer, working alone in a remote location. Using safety monitoring devices, the project manager can remotely track the worker’s arrival at the job site; track the activity level of the worker within the work zone, and follow the travel path of the worker while leaving the site. Workflow tracking ability helps supervisors identify when the workers are in a particularly precarious phase of their work.  In situations when an emergency alert is signalled by a lone worker, push notifications can be forwarded to project supervisors, law enforcement officials, or paramedics.

At TWIG Australia, we have a wide range of reliable safety options for your Lone Workers. If you would like professional advice please contact our team today.