Implementing lone worker safety systems

Companies are often very keen to implement a lone worker safety system. The hold-up often comes in communicating the purpose of the system to staff, and training them to use it effectively.

We are often asked by our clients for a best practice recommendation in implementing Lookout Call, and we usually advise that they make it compulsory for all lone workers to use the system.

This means that lone workers quickly get used to operating the mobile-based safety system and it soon becomes just another part of their routine: checking into Lookout Call with an update of their location and activity, and setting a timed alarm before they go out on an appointment.

Here are some FAQs to help you answer any questions staff may have about lone worker safety systems…

Why is the system being introduced now? Usually the answer is in response to the company’s latest Risk Assessment, which highlights lone working as an area which needs to be more robustly managed. An automated alarm system, such as Lookout Call, is additional protection for staff that are working/ travelling alone, and helps employers demonstrate robust Duty of Care.

Who is going to respond to our alarm calls? Staff will want to know what practical steps nominated responders will take in the event that an Emergency Alarm is raised, or a Worker Overdue alarm is triggered. The employer needs to have an updated Lone Worker Safety Policy in place that clearly describes how the employer will deal with alarms.

How could this system ever stop an incident from happening? No system can physically stop an event from happening. However, it can dramatically improve the outcome because the lone worker has a speedy way of requesting assistance. Lookout Call’s timed countdown guarantees that an automatic alarm will be raised when the countdown expires – very useful if the lone worker is unconscious or being held hostage – and so significantly improves lone worker protection.

What will happen if I raise a False Alarm? Staff may be concerned that the employer will be unsympathetic if there is a series of false alarms raised for one lone worker. The employer needs to reassure lone workers that they will be provided with good training that will reduce the possibility of false alarms being raised. False alarms also demonstrate that the system is being used, so organisations should view this as a positive!

How time consuming is the system? Not very time consuming at all. It usually takes around 15 seconds to leave a message on Lookout Call. A typical lone worker will spend around 3-4 minutes per day updating the system. Clever users of the system will clock up even less time per day if they avoid the need to frequently enter their PIN number.

Will it cost me anything to use the system? Some employers expect staff to use their own private mobile phones. So the issue of mobile phone bills are raised as an objection. This tends to be a matter of principle rather than cost, to encourage the employer to issue staff with official work mobile phones.

With Lookout Call you are able to see live usage figures, via our easy-to-use admin portal, so you can monitor for yourself how it is being used by your lone workers. Our support team is always available to help you along the way. We can visit your site to train staff in using the Lookout Call safety system, and we are always available to support you in the transition to make sure you get the best value for money from Lookout Call.

If you would like to take a free trial of Lookout Call or would like more information on how the system can benefit your business, please contact us now.