Lone worker devices and panic alarms for employee safety
What is a panic alarm?
A portable panic alarm, also referred to as an emergency alarm, personal alarm or man down device, is a simple but highly effective lone worker device designed to protect your employees. It forms part of a complete lone worker safety solution, ensuring immediate assistance is available at the touch of a button in the event of a threat, assault or medical emergency.
These lone worker alarms also provide automatic protection by raising an alert if an employee becomes immobile or incapacitated, for example following a fall. This makes them particularly suitable for lone workers or employees operating in higher risk roles.
Compact and easy to carry on a keyring or attached to a waistband, this personal safety device for employees stays with your team at all times, providing reassurance wherever they are working.
While many businesses still rely on fixed panic buttons installed under counters or at tills, these can only be used in specific locations. A portable panic alarm for staff offers greater flexibility, allowing your team to move freely and safely without compromising on protection, while remaining discreet and out of sight of customers.
How does a portable panic alarm work?
- Activating the alarm: When an employee feels threatened or is being assaulted, they can activate the lone worker alarm by pressing the emergency button.
- GPS location tracking: A GPS-enabled lone worker device sends precise location data directly to the control centre. This ensures help can be directed quickly to the correct location, enabling a fast and effective response.
- Alert sent to the control centre: Once activated, the panic alarm system sends a signal to the control centre, where trained operators assess the alert discreetly, ensuring genuine emergencies are prioritised without escalating the situation.
Managing the alarm at the control center
- Verification of the situation: Operators assess and verify the alert to confirm it is genuine, ensuring the appropriate response is taken and resources are used effectively.
- Coordinating the response: Following verification, the control centre acts in line with the agreed protocol for your business. This may involve contacting An Garda Síochána or dispatching a mobile security officer as part of your lone worker monitoring system.
- Ongoing monitoring: Once assistance has been arranged, the situation continues to be monitored to help ensure the employee’s safety until it is resolved.
Who can benefit from this solution?
This solution is suitable for professionals who may be exposed to risk while working alone or in unpredictable environments, including:
- Retail and hospitality staff
- Healthcare professionals (including home care workers)
- Engineers, field-based staff, sales representatives, and security personnel
- Delivery drivers and night workers
- Construction and utility workers in isolated locations
- Social workers, journalists, and outreach teams
- Elderly care providers and vulnerable service users requiring emergency support
Panic alarms and lone worker devices are essential tools for employee safety. Unlike fixed systems, portable devices provide mobility, optional location tracking, and rapid access to assistance wherever the user is working. Implementing these solutions helps ensure lone workers can receive timely support in emergency situations, improving overall workplace safety and confidence.
To learn more about how Securitas can help protect your lone workers, please visit lone worker protection page.
